It’s interesting to me how many women, it seems, don’t really plan on preparing physically for birth. As an average Jane, you wouldn’t wake up and say, “I’m going to run a marathon today.” Even if you plan on an epidural or a C-section, your body needs to be in good shape. The good news is that it doesn’t mean sweatin’ to the oldies.

In a word: yoga. It’s nature is in line with what labor is about: relaxing and stretching and breathing. I tried several yoga videos but many of them were too “spiritual” in a weird way for me. The best one I found is Prenatal Yoga With Shiva Rea, available at Amazon.com. It has three women you can follow depending on your comfort level and trimester. Their names are Shiva, Britta and Poppy, but I’ve got a feeling that their mom’s call them Julie, Pam and Karen respectively. Anyway, my husband on occasion would join me. I was driven to follow Shiva, the first trimester girl, for as long as possible, while he could only follow Poppy, the third trimester girl. What a sight - especially when it came to the Kegel exercises (see below). I say it’s those loose ligaments that helped me. I am usually the one who’s lagging or using all the props otherwise. I recommend doing yoga at least 3 times a week, for 30 mins. (or in two 15 min. increments). I like to set my goals within an easy range so I feel better when I exceed my goal, but that’s me. By “doing” I mean: following a DVD, taking a prenatal yoga class, or even just following the exercises below.

Best poses to prepare for birth (and relieve everyday pregger body stress): You can benefit a ton from these no-sweat exercises. You don’t need special equipment, just comfortable clothes, and blanket, and a little space.

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