Overview

Breathing is something we are constantly doing and seldom paying much attention to. When you are pregnant, the changes your body is going through can also impact your breathing. While breathing is typically done without you having to think about it, you can control your breath, and how you breathe can have a significant impact on your mood, anxiety, hormone levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and even your perception of pain. There is evidence to support controlled breathing during labor to promote relaxation and cope with contractions. Plus, there is some evidence showing which breathing techniques can be used in the pushing stage of labor that may help avoid vaginal tearing. Whether you are planning an un-medicated birth, you know you want an epidural, or even during a cesarean birth, these techniques can apply to you.

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