The nine months of pregnancy leading up to the birth of your child just may be the most tumultuous months of your life! Excitement, nervousness, fear, panic, joy… your emotions can be a real roller coaster.Pregnancy is very like this and its important to make sure your pregnancy is relaxed as possible.
Understandably, this is also a very stressful time. Pregnancy and the birth of a child are life altering events. You might feel that you have too many things happening at once during your pregnancy; work, morning sickness, financial worries, finishing the nursery, fear of childbirth and more. Stress during pregnancy can lead to anxiousness, trouble sleeping, tense muscles and appetite changes. Learning how to manage and reduce this stress during your pregnancy will help to keep you healthy and happy throughout the pregnancy.
Breathing is the simplest and most effective relaxation technique during pregnancy. Breathing deeply and slowly helps to increase the flow of oxygen to your blood. On the other hand, shallow, raid breathing decreases your blood oxygen which makes pain more noticeable and energy wane. By focusing on taking steady, rhythmic breaths, you can lower your heart rate, fall asleep faster and reduce muscle tension. Sit with your back straight and strong and exhale completely through your mouth. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, feeling your diaphragm swell as it is filled with air. Breathe out again slowly.
Hypnotherapy is a highly successful method of relaxation. Many uninformed people feel that with hypnotherapy they will be out of control and the Hypnotherapist will “make” them do things that take away there functionality. This is so incorrect it’s not funny.
Hypnotherapy begins where the therapist gentle guides you into a very calm and relaxed state with his or her voice. During this process you are not asleep; your body is beautiful calm and relaxed. Then the Hypnotherapist will take you further into deep relaxation without sleep so you can relax your mind and absorb wonderfully positive and beneficial suggestions.
The Hypnotherapist works to help your mind get rid of the fears associated with the changes that pregnancy brings, leaving you feeling 10 times more confident and capable in yourself to see this through. It’s probably the best technique you can have because hypnotherapy gets straight to where the fear resides; in your subconscious mind. In other words it goes straight to the source! I highly recommend this. Its safe and you might even be hooked on how good you feel when you are so relaxed. The Hypnotherapist I saw during my pregnancy would often say “there is nothing to do, nobody wanting anything, this time is all yours and you can take as much time in the world as you need.” Just that phrase alone would send me off into deep relaxation.
Light massage is very soothing during pregnancy, especially as your back may grow uncomfortable with the weight of the baby. Hands and feet can also benefit from light massage as they swell with fluid retention. Have your partner gently massage your body before bed. For intense muscle pain or discomfort, see a professional massage therapist who specializes in pregnancy massage. (“Pre-Natal Massage”.) Aromatherapy during pregnancy is very relaxing, but you must take care to be sure you use essential oils that are safe for prenatal use. Try lavender oil to calm and relax your senses. (But make sure its real essential oil, not fragrant oil.)
Physical activity can be very relaxing. Combine a light walk with an imagined image that you are sitting on a tranquil beach. Being physically active earlier in the day will help you to feel tired and able to sleep at night. Your muscles and joints will also stay strong and limber, which reduces the amount of stress and pain you are putting on your body with the added weight of the pregnancy. Gentle stretches and yoga also help to keep your muscles loose yet strong, while improving your circulation and blood oxygen levels by allowing you to focus on your breathing and posture.
Take time to enjoy a few of your favorite things. Listen to soft music, read a book, or even sit in the garden. Remember that this is a time you should be savoring and enjoying, so live it to the fullest. Be confident that you are doing the best you can and try to keep things in perspective. You are not Superwoman, and no one expects you to be! Enjoy each day of your pregnancy and know that you are doing your very best for yourself and the baby.
For more information on keeping excellent health for your and your baby just go to www.amazingpregnancysecrets.com
By Sally Aubrey
Very amazing site! I wish I could do something as nice as you did…mary