With the joys of pregnancy come plenty of stresses and discomforts for moms-to-be. Yoga can help relieve some of the aches and pains and prepare women for labor.

Experts say no matter what trimester a woman is in, yoga can help with pregnancy problems.

"It helps with discomforts of pregnancy, lower back pain, shoulder tension, sciatica, leg cramps," said Randi Coen Gilbert, a prenatal yoga instructor.

Gilbert said that's because the poses include delicate stretches and the release of tension. Breathing techniques are essential when preparing for delivery. The techniques calm the nervous system. Yoga also increases blood flow and builds muscle strength.

"As the spine gets longer, it creates more space for baby," Gilbert said.

Dr. Kara Nakisbendi, a gynecologist in Ardmore, Pa., recommends yoga to her patients and has educational magazines about the exercise in the waiting room.

"It prepares the body for labor -- wonderful poses that strengthen pelvic muscles, legs. It helps make labor easier," Nakisbendi said.

Nakisbendi said high-risk pregnant patients need to consult with their physician before taking yoga, but she said most instructors will modify positions for a woman's specific needs. Nakisbendi said it is not a good idea to overdo it.

"You don't want to stay on the back for too long a period of time because the weight of the uterus can impede blood flow to baby," Nakisbendi said.

At the Yogalife Institute in Devon, Pa., women are feeling more prepared for labor.

"I feel strong, fit -- in shape," JoAnn Mitchell said.

"It's wonderful. After, I feel like I got a good massage," said Ana Botchkarev.

Yoga instructors say the exercise can also help women bounce back quickly from pregnancy because they develop so much strength.