Tips on Pregnancy Relaxation Exercises

Pregnancy relaxation and breathing exercises are very valuable during labour. They will help you to cope with contraction and save energy to give the pushes. You should practice them regularly until they become your second nature during labour.

How to relax

Listen to soothing music and ease your mind. Practice the relaxation exercise in a warm room where you can have privacy.

Relax your body

Make yourself comfortable lying on your back and well propped up by pillows, or on your side with one leg bent and supported on cushions. Tense and relax the muscles of each part of your body in turns, starting with toes and working upwards.

If you're in your late pregnancy, do not to lie flat on your back because this can restrict the flow of oxygen to your baby.

Lying on your side

You may be more comfortable, especially during later pregnancy, lying on your side with one leg bent and supported on cushions.

Breathing for labour

There three different levels of breathing. Practice with your husband so that he can help to remember the breathing exercise during labour.

Light breathing

This breathing level helps you at the height of contraction. Breathe in and out of your mouth, taking air into the upper part of your lungs. Your husband should put his hands on your shoulder blades and feel them move.

Deep breathing

This is helpful at the beginning and end of contraction since it has calming effect. Sit comfortably and as relax as possible. Breath in deeply through your nose, right to the bottom of your lungs. Your husband should place his hands just above your waistline and feel your ribcage move.

Panting

After the first stage of labour, you will want to push. You can resist this by taking two short breaths and then blowing a longer breath out.

Andrew Levin is a Pregnancy Specialist and owner of Healthy Pregnancy Guide. You can instantly get access to a FREE "5 Tips To A Healthy and Happy Pregnancy " Mini eCourse ($17 value) by visiting http://AndrewLevins.com/pregnancysymptoms