Deep breathing relieves fatigue and is important for the health of mother and fetus. The well-being and equilibrium of the pregnant women will have a significant impact on her baby. As a pregnant woman prepares for childbirth and motherhood, she is already creating an environment for her developing child. Yoga helps her calms her emotions and also quiets her mind. The attention is turned inward, connecting with her center and her strength as well as her ability to surrender and yield.
Yoga is an excellent preparation for labor and delivery.
Labor progresses more easily if a woman can work with, rather than against, contractions. Yoga teaches this. The pregnant woman learns to become aware of each part of the body and to release tension and constriction using the breath. During labor, she can use this technique to help relax the uterus. Often, a student learns to visualize an image during meditation or relaxation for instance, to see the breath as a gentle wave.