MODEL RELEASED. Pre-natal yoga meditation being performed by a pregnant woman who is performing the gyan mudra hand position. Meditation helps to promote calm and reduces stress, such as that caused by pregnancy. Yoga postures are designed to develop flexibility and controlled relaxation. Practising yoga is one way that women prepare for natural childbirth. They use relaxation and breathing techniques learned in yoga to cope with the pain of labour. This means that unnecessary medical intervention and drugs can be minimised.