Relaxation and Pregnancy

Health advice

Carrying a baby in ones’ tummy is an amazing experience, and words aren’t enough to explain what you feel. However, women agree that it’s physically demanding and leads to certain discomforts. Additionally, fathers often note how physically challenging a pregnancy is for their partner when they see them bend over, get out of bed…Everything requires additional physical effort, especially at the end of pregnancy.

Many mothers express their discomfort and stresses during prenatal classes. Why not try relaxation methods that you enjoy that can help soothe your stiffness, contractures and tensions?

Relaxation, by definition, is a general state with a feeling of physical and mental well-being. You don’t need to be an expert to use relaxation methods and benefit from them. All you need is a bit of time every day, say 15 minutes.

Practising relaxation allows pregnant women to better listen to their body and its possible reactions. This will enable them to manage pain better and adapt to changes occurring throughout pregnancy.

The beneficial effects of relaxation are many for a future mother: reduce blood pressure and heart rate; reduce muscle tension and stiffness, in contrast to what happens typically when reacting to stress. The psychological benefits for their mental state are also significant. Feeling calm, comfortable and peaceful provides significant relaxation and contribute to her positive attitude, self-confidence, better concentration, attention and memory. These are all great things to have when preparing for childbirth.

Being pregnant is an activity in and of itself. Practising relaxation allows pregnant women to better listen to their body and its possible reactions. This will enable them to manage pain better and adapt to changes occurring throughout pregnancy. Additionally, pregnant women that regularly practice relaxation will better handle her fears, anxiety, including those associated with contractions, and face them calmly and serenely.

Relaxation is a natural human capacity, and many types of activities can allow you to relax. It’s up to you to find the ones that best suit you! Meditation, massages, prenatal yoga, tai chi, visualisation, haptonomy, sophrology are only a few examples. Soaking in a hot bath, or relaxing with soft music, eyes closed, slowly breathing can also help. You can’t force relaxation; you have to allow it to come on its own. Promote self-relaxation by getting comfortable, your upper body supported, in a room with good air circulation, and concentrate on relaxing muscles one at a time, starting in the lower body. Empty your mind, inhale and exhale calmly. You will gradually feel the positive effects.

You should know that relaxation methods that are effective during pregnancy can be used during labour and childbirth. This calm and relaxed state will help release tension during a contraction and help dilate your cervix as labour progresses.

I hope this has helped relax you, and talk soon!

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Relaxation and Pregnancy

Par Mélanie Loubier Temps de lecture: 2 min
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