3 Breathing Techniques for a Relaxing Pregnancy (Plus YouTube Videos)

Are you feeling stressed?

Pregnancy can be a time of great joy, but it can also be a time of stress. Many women find themselves feeling anxious about the impending birth, and about becoming a parent—perhaps for the first time. While there are many different ways to deal with this stress during pregnancy such as exercise or prenatal yoga, one of the best is through breathing exercises.

What are the benefits of practicing mindful breathing during your pregnancy?

There are many benefits to practicing breathing techniques during pregnancy.

1. They can help calm and relax you reducing reduce stress and anxiety.
2. They can improve the quality of your sleep.
3. They can help to regulate blood pressure.
4. They can improve circulation and digestion.
5. They can increase your energy level.

Additionally, breathing exercises can even help you connect with your baby, providing a deeper level of communication and bonding. 

The best breathing exercises for pregnancy

There are many different breathing exercises that pregnant women can try in order to relax. The three most popular breathing techniques for a relaxing pregnancy are deep breathing, belly breathing, and visualization.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a great way to relax your mind and body. When you deep-breathe, you take in a large amount of air and hold it in for a few seconds. Then you release the air slowly, allowing your muscles to relax.

To do deep breathing exercises, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands on your hips. Take a deep breath through your nose, filling your lungs as much as possible. Then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this deep breathing pattern 10 times.

You can also do deep breathing exercises lying down. To do this, lie on your back with your knees bent and place one hand on your abdomen. As you inhale, allow your stomach to expand. As you exhale, contract your stomach muscles. Repeat this deep breathing pattern 10 times.

Deep breathing exercises can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation during pregnancy. Give them a try next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

Belly Breathing

Belly breathing is one of the best ways to oxygenate your blood and reduce stress during pregnancy. It is also an excellent way to prepare your body for childbirth. To belly breathe, place your hands on your belly and inhale deeply through your nose. As you exhale, imagine your belly button moving back towards your spine. Repeat this process 10 times, or for as long as you feel comfortable. You can do belly breathing exercises any time of day, and they can be done standing, sitting, or lying down. Remember to always listen to your body and stop if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Belly breathing is a simple but powerful way to relax and connect with your baby during pregnancy.

Visualization

Visualization exercises can be a great way to prepare for pregnancy and childbirth. By picturing yourself going through the various stages of pregnancy and childbirth, you can help to train your mind and body for the experience. Start by finding a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then begin to visualize yourself going through each stage of pregnancy. Picture yourself feeling strong and healthy as your baby grows inside of you. Visualize yourself going into labor and giving birth safely and successfully. See yourself holding your beautiful new baby in your arms. Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself pregnant and giving birth, and you will be surprised at how much it can help to calm your nerves and ease your anxiety. 

YouTube videos that can help you practice breathing techniques during pregnancy

If you would like to learn more about breathing exercises for pregnant women, there are many great tutorials on YouTube. Here are a few of our favorites:

Deep Breathing Exercise by Homeveda Parenting

This video tutorial offers a step-by-step guide to deep breathing exercises that can help to relax your mind and body.

Prenatal Meditation by YogaCandi
A guided meditation video with simple relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety as well as worry and fear about the upcoming changes regarding parenting and childbirth.

Breathing Yoga Asanas During Pregnancy

These great breathing exercises by Nishta, a certified yoga teacher to alleviate any pressure on the lungs and diaphragm than makes breathing difficult during your changing body. These exercise's help create an internal balance, and to cut off external distractions so you can connect with the life growing within.

Yoga with Adriene—Prenatal Yoga Series
This series of yoga videos is perfect for pregnant women. It includes a variety of gentle poses and breathing exercises that can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

 Don't forget to read our post the best perineal massage videos on youtube.

Remember to listen to your body and relax

The exercises we’ve recommended are some of the best breathing exercises for pregnancy. They will help you stay calm and relaxed, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Remember there are other things you should consider for relaxing such as essential oils, nutrition, using affirmation cards, and making sure you sleep well.

Just remember to take it slow and easy, and to listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, stop doing the exercise and consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on your upcoming arrival!