Breathing during pregnancy - a key to well-being and preparation for childbirth

Several factors can affect breathing during pregnancy, such as the size of the fetus and stress levels. Shallow breathing, where breathing occurs mainly in the upper part of the chest, can lead to tension around the neck-shoulder area. This can manifest as tension headaches or tension around the jaw. Deep breathing, where you breathe down to the stomach and also out to the sides and back of the spine, can help reduce these tensions.

In addition to reducing tension, deep breathing can be an important preparation for childbirth. By practising deep breathing, you can improve your ability to manage pain and stress during childbirth.

Breathing can also affect exercise during pregnancy. By maintaining deep breathing, you can avoid putting too much pressure on the pelvic floor, which can cause discomfort and possible incontinence.

By putting extra focus on breathing during pregnancy, you can experience better physical and mental health, as well as prepare more effectively for childbirth.