Being calm and relaxed helps with most things in life, but there are some specific ways you and your baby can benefit from yoga.

Movements and postures

• Help to keep your body in healthy alignment - particularly your spine which supports and lifts your uterus
• Movements to relieve specific problems like heartburn, back pain and swollen ankles
• Healthily tone and stretch pelvic ligaments, encouraging elasticity for birth which can reduce tearing
• Encourage your baby to be in the best position for birth

Breathing techniques

• Help you to relax and sleep
• Bring your awareness into your pelvis and learn how to release
• Encourage full breathing, easing pressure on your heart and stabilising your blood pressure
• Help you breathe effectively through each stage of labour
• Tone your uterus, helping you to relax and contract effectively throughout labour
• Deeply learn breathing techniques so they become 'second nature' when you need them

Relaxation techniques

• Nurture and nourish you and your baby
• Reduce stress and tension, particularly the fear of the unknown for first time mums
• Help to keep blood pressure normal
• Prepare for the birth and feel physically, mentally and emotionally rested
• Help relieve 'sensations' of labour

 There is nothing in the caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly

Richard Buckminster Fuller