Yoga can be of enormous benefit during pregnancy, not only as a form of gentle exercise. It can be therapeutic and beneficial as a means of preparing for labour.
It is recommended that yoga asanas are not practised until the sixteenth week of pregnancy by which time the placenta is established.

However many women find the breathing and relaxation techniques taught in yoga classes help them with the tiredness and nausea often experienced during the first three months.

After sixteen weeks, most asanas can be safely practised, with some modifications, until well into the third trimester.

The relaxation and breathing, techniques can also be practised during labour, especially during the first stage. Many women report that the practise of yoga not only helps them manage their labour better but shortens the labour.