Ease Anxiety In Pregnancy With Breathwork
Falling pregnant is an exciting time, but it can also bring a rollercoaster of emotions, a sense of anxiety and overwhelm, and many questions. How will I birth this baby? Who will look after me? What can I do to prepare? Fortunately, there are a number of ways our breath can ease these waves of uncertainty. Breathwork is a simple yet powerful tool to help you feel safe within your body, manage emotions that arise, and trust in the birthing process.
Why do we need to breathe right during pregnancy? Let’s find out...
- Improve blood circulation and thus oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus and your body
- Keep your muscles relaxed, alleviating some of the tension that builds up due to stress
- Keep your nervous system calm
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve ability to handle contractions and labour pain
- Increase physical and activity and mindfulness during birth
- Promote an overall feeling of well-being and control
When it comes to breathing through pregnancy, labour, and beyond birth, there are a number of techniques you can try. Even something as simple as consciously breathing through your nose instead of your mouth and slowing down your breathing rate can have big benefits - you’ll be slowing down the breathing rate, modulating cognitive function, and supporting proper airway structure.
Working with a trained breathwork practitioner or using a program that’s specifically designed for pregnancy will ensure you’re using techniques that are safe for you and your developing baby.
What else helps anxiety during pregnancy?
- Engage in regular physical activity. It’s always best to consult with your doctor first.
- Ensure adequate sleep. Whether it's introducing a calming bedtime routine, or investing in a good pregnancy pillow, now is the time to learn what works for your sleep.
- Journaling. Writing about your worries may help you brainstorm potential solutions, and allows you to reflect on your concerns.
- Yoga, massage, meditation, and acupuncture. Finding relaxation techniques that work for you may take some experimentation — but their benefits will continue even after the baby arrives.
- Speak out. It can be anyone, your partner, a close friend, or family member whom you trust the most as they may offer you support. Simply sharing your thoughts and feelings may be enough to keep yourself free from stress in your everyday life.
Pregnancy is a magical experience and it’s important to not let any pressures or feelings of anxiety overwhelm you. These emotions are completely natural and you may feel them more often as you get later into your pregnancy. However, it’s so important to relax and take care of yourself so that your body and mind feel healthy and strong.
Are you ready to build confidence and cultivate calm as you prepare for the birth of your baby? I want to help you release any fear, strengthen self-trust, and prepare for an empowered birth experience, which is why I created Breathing Into Birth experiences - including 1:1 Workshops, 1:1 Pregnancy Support and in-person Pregnancy Events. Book a discovery call with me today to start your magical breath journey.
*It’s important to note that breathwork can be safe when pregnant if guided by an experienced practitioner with anti-natal experience and understands that each pregnant person is an individual case that requires a custom experience.
