Yoga is an incredible resource which is suitable for every age and ability to take part in but in pregnancy there are five vital tools which can be very useful. Yoga benefits those pregnant women who make time to practice regularly. Yoga benefits are vast as they help to stretch, tone and strengthen every part of the body; they also massage internal organs and allow the practitioner to find a healthy balance in life.

These vital tools are simple:

- Regular exercise plan to stretch, limber and tone, they also work on the reproductive organs and the pelvic area to help with childbirth.

- Breathing exercises ensure that there is an abundant supply of oxygen vital for Mother and baby.

- Relaxation: essential to help achieve a deep, refreshing sleep.

- Meditation: will help to calm the deepest fears and anxieties and also, help the Mother to connect with the unborn child.

- Mudras and Bandhas: have a very powerful effect on the reproductive organs.

Yoga benefits women in every aspect of their pregnancy and although most people think of the yoga exercises (asanas') when they think of yoga, it is true that the physical aspect is essential for providing a healthy foundation, but also it prepares the body for childbirth and for restoring the body following birth.

Yoga benefits include:

- Helping to reduce morning sickness common in pregnancy and reducing associated mood swings.

- Can influence the position of the baby ready for birth.

- Can open up the pelvic area for ease of birth.

- Can relieve fluid retention and cramps.

- Relieves tension around the birth canal.

- Increases feeling of well-being and quiet calmness.

Mastery of the breathing exercises is highly recommended for a productive pregnancy and also, for post-pregnancy calm. There is also Yoga Nidra to consider which essentially is yoga sleep, and one hour of practice of Nidra is considered to be of the same benefit as four hours of traditional sleep.

There are many good books or information available on yoga benefits in pregnancy, and it is worth reading up so as to gain the maximum benefits from each yoga practice.