Mommies-to-be climb the stairs to Southtown Yoga Loft - a serene place that seems a world away from the busy city below. Mats are unrolled; candles lighted. And as melodic chants mingle with incense, their prenatal class begins.

A little bit edgy, a little bit Zen, the class is aimed at strengthening the women's bodies, minds and spirits as delivery dates approach. Loft owner Kristal Cuevas started the twice-monthly, hour-long sessions when she found out she was going to be a first-time mom. She wanted emotional support and thought others might feel the same way. Ever since, camaraderie has flourished.

"We've formed a sort of community of pregnant ladies at the loft," Cuevas says. "Our closeness is like family. After I delivered Maya, my classmates brought me food and gifts. We celebrated!"

Between classes and celebrations - blessed events are happening a lot these days - the "yoga girlfriends" do lunch, hold tea parties and indulge in comforting chocolate treats. According to instructor Donna Anfuso, their happy approach to motherhood makes serious workouts fun. They're into fashion, too. Stretchy tees, comfy spandex shorts and cute accessories, available at the loft's boutique, keep them feeling good about themselves as baby bumps grow.

Most of the women have careers, so the loft's proximity to downtown simplifies their demanding lives. They can stop by on a break or lunch hour to work out a bit, visit or just relax. The prenatal program's emphasis on minimal weight gain also has appeal to these professionals who take pride in their appearance.

Although yoga is an ancient practice, originating thousands of years ago in India, prenatal programs here and elsewhere are relatively new. As the magazine Yoga Journal points out, courses resulted from modern need and, during the past few years, have rapidly increased in popularity. Many obstetricians are recommending them to their patients as an ideal way to stay active.

Instruction goes on in a variety of places - adult-education centers, exercise studios and maternity boutiques among them. Though basic principles are similar wherever a course is taught, the format differs. Creativity rules.

Anfuso, for example, reads inspirational poetry to her classes at the loft on South Alamo Street. Philosophical insight plus a bit of mysticism also are included in her lesson plan.

"We talk about letting go of worries, allowing our lights to shine and showing gratitude for the pregnancy experience," the instructor says. "I ask the women to shut their eyes, place their hands on their bellies and bond with their developing babies. Then, once our minds are in tune, we work on flexibility, muscular strength, deep breathing and staying focused - things that can make delivery easier."

The yoga positions suggested are minimally demanding (the comfortable downward-facing dog is a favorite). Anfuso emphasizes that health and safety always take priority; no one is ever pushed too hard or too fast. And, since registration is ongoing, the mommies can be at any point in pregnancy when signing up for the noontime sessions that take place on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.

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Om, mama! Prenatal yoga