With more and more women delaying having children until later in life, there are a growing number of couples having difficulties conceiving. From their mid thirties onwards, women's chances of getting pregnant drop dramatically and many are turning to medical intervention to assist them in having a baby.

Trying to conceive can be a very stressful and emotional experience, particularly when it involves undergoing fertility treatment or IVF. Many doctors are now recommending women use yoga in conjunction with their medical treatment, both to assist them in de-stressing and to enhance their possibilities of becoming pregnant.

A Harvard based study found that women who were trying for a baby were three times more likely to conceive if they took fertility focussed yoga courses than those who did not. But what is it about yoga that prepares the body so well for conception and pregnancy?

As we have already mentioned, stress can be a major problems when a couple are having trouble conceiving. Stress can interfere with a woman's menstrual cycle and delay ovulation, as well as reducing sperm production in men. The emotional release of yoga can ease stress and anxiety, enhancing a couples chances of conceiving.

This is most effective if both the male and female participate, and a couple might consider partner yoga in this situation. As well as deepening and strengthening their relationship, partner yoga can teach them how to cope together with the