We can all agree that being pregnant comes with its fair share of ups and downs. But did you know that practicing pregnancy relaxation can have some amazing benefits for you, your growing baby and your birth?
This is why looking after your own wellbeing during pregnancy is so important.
The stress hormone cortisol can cross from your bloodstream through your placenta and to your baby, so it’s essential to take time out for yourself to destress.
But what do we actually mean by pregnancy relaxation?
Well, it's anything that is going to help you to unwind, deeply rest and connect with your baby.
In this blog post, I'll guide you through the top 7 amazing benefits of pregnancy relaxation and why you should be taking some much needed time out for yourself.
1. Increases the bond you have with your baby
Taking time out to really relax massively boosts the bond you have with your baby and helps you to feel connected to them before they're earthside.
Whilst you’re relaxing, you might find it helpful to have a framed scan picture of your baby on your bedside table to make it even more special.
If you've had a tough start to pregnancy, taking the time out for yourself in this way can be really beneficial.
2. Reduces any stress or anxiety you might be feeling
Whether its pregnancy, birth or even just life related, we all feel stress from time to time. It’s important in pregnancy to be mindful of this stress and practicing pregnancy relaxation can really help to reduce any anxiety you have. It can help you to feel calmer, more present and relaxed.
3. Lowers your heart rate and blood pressure
When you practice pregnancy relaxation, it triggers your parasympathetic nervous system which is a clever network of nerves. When these nerves are stimulated, they take you out of fight or flight/stress mode and put your body into a relaxed state. When you feel this deep level of relaxation, you’ll find that you heart rate and blood pressure actually start to come down.
4. Increases your chances of labour starting naturally
A labour which starts naturally is one that doesn’t involve any form of medical intervention (such as sweeps, pessaries, manually having your waters broken) or pharmaceutical drugs to start labour.
When you regularly practice pregnancy relaxation, it massively boosts your levels of the hormone oxytocin. This is your ultimate feel good hormone that you get when you fall in love and when you have sex - and it’s also the hormone that is responsible for start labour! So the more you can do to boost your oxytocin, the better.
5. Reduces your risk of developing postnatal complications
When we take the time out to look after our own wellbeing in pregnancy, this has huge benefits for our own mental health and this means we’re less likely to develop postnatal complications such as postnatal depression.
6. Help you get a better nights sleep
Getting a good nights sleep when you’re pregnant can feel almost impossible. From strange dreams to leg cramps and the constant urge to go to the loo it can feel really hard to get some proper shut eye. If you practice pregnancy relaxation before going to sleep, this can really help to quieten down your mind, stimulate that wonderful nervous system I mentioned to relax and help you catch some well deserved zzzz’s.
7. Improves your overall wellbeing
Pregnancy relaxation can also help to improve your general sense of wellbeing, helping you to enjoy the experience of being pregnant and approach your birth with a true sense of calm.
So this is your sign to relax mama!
Take this blog as your sign to carve out some proper time for you. Give yourself permission to relax everyday - your body and baby will thank you!
Love Emma
Hypnobirthing and Antenatal specialist
xxx
Who am I?
Hey, I'm Emma!
Tea lover, self confessed birth nerd, mama of two and the founder of Blooming Births Hypnobirthing.
I pride myself on offering honest, bespoke and evidence based antenatal courses which put YOU at the very heart.
After giving birth to my own two babies, I continue to work closely with the Newcastle Maternity units and stay up to date with current working practices so that you are well informed about what to expect from your local trust.
I'm also an affiliate member of The Royal College of Midwives and a breastfeeding peer support volunteer. I'm here to support you to start feeling informed, confident and totally ready for your birth!
