Diet Blog Online

During pregnancy, relaxation and meditation are just as important to your health as proper nutrition and exercise.

Why is it important to relax during pregnancy? Recent studies suggest that excessive stress, whether physical or emotional, can cause the body to produce hormones that may increase the likelihood of miscarriage or even bring on pre-term labor.

The emotional effects of too much stress may also exacerbate mood swings, and increase depressive episodes and feelings of anxiety. The Fetal and Neonatal Stress Research Group has found that stress and anxiety can negatively impact the fetus and may have long-term effects, including hyperactivity.

It’s important that you do everything possible during your pregnancy to adjust your lifestyle and accommodate your need to relax. Remember– all the stress you feel is stress that your unborn baby will feel too!

That’s why, when combined with exercise and a healthy diet, a routine regimen of relaxation and meditation will result in a happy and healthy mother and baby. Relaxation and meditation exercises will also help facilitate the labor and delivery process, preparing you for the tremendous feat of labor.

Meditation
You can try many different methods of meditation while you’re pregnant. One simple meditation, known as the “Tantien” Meditation, focuses on improving your overall energy:

1. Place your hands on your lower belly over the uterus.
2. Close your eyes and breathe in slowly through your nose.
3. Exhale.
4. You should breathe normally, but concentrate on the flow of air through your nose.
5. Pay attention to your belly as it moves downwards on each exhalation.

As you take in each breath, your center of energy, or Tantien, expands. The aim of this meditation is also to improve your concentration and relaxation.

You don’t need to do any specific meditation to effectively relax. Consider simply taking five minutes out of your day as quiet time. Settle in a place where you will not be disturbed. Close your eyes and allow your thoughts to flow freely. Try not to analyze what you are thinking or dwell on any one thought too long.

Once you’ve allowed your thoughts to flow freely for a couple minutes, visualize yourself relaxing someplace comfortable and safe. It may be on a beach, by the mountains, or even in your own bed. While you’re doing this, remember to breathe deeply. Picture yourself relaxed, happy, and safe.

You can also use this meditation to calm yourself during the early stages of labor.

Relaxation Techniques
You don’t have to be a yogi to learn how to relax. There are in fact plenty of simple things you can do to improve your overall health and reduce your stress levels.

Consider some of these techniques that will help you eliminate stress and relax:

• Exercise: There are many forms of exercise that are very relaxing, primarily tai chi, stretching, and yoga. You can even do specific yoga moves designed to help alleviate pregnancy tension!
• Listen to music: Music can help you unwind and forget about your troubles. The key here is to try something soothing and calming rather than something too upbeat or grating.
• Sunshine and fresh air: Don’t discount the benefit of fresh air. Far too often it is easy to fall into a pattern of locking yourself indoors and remaining immobile. Take a brisk walk every day if possible, for at least 10-15 minutes. The fresh air and sunshine will improve your outlook and help you relax.

Remember that in the grand scheme of things, pregnancy is just a few short months of the lifetime you’ll lead. You should make a conscious effort to enjoy every minute of it.

Author: Antigone Arthur

Tags: emotional, excessive stress, fitness, health, meditation, Pregnancy, proper nutrition, relaxation