We should all do what we can to keep our bodies alive and well. However, for pregnant women, this “should” becomes a “must.” When you’re pregnant, it is up to you to provide the best possible start in life to a whole new human being. While focusing on a healthy diet is crucial, many pregnant women overlook the power of their minds. There are valuable benefits of meditation during pregnancy that can give your baby the boost he or she needs to flourish.
Keeping Hormones in Check
During pregnancy, women must endure an inevitable increase in hormone imbalance, and this can be especially frustrating. Among the side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Poor sleeping patterns
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Tender breasts
- And much more
Meditation during pregnancy has shown to stabilize these imbalances, and this allows you to provide your unborn child the sense of security he or she needs to best develop.
A More Relaxed State
Let’s face it. Women have a lot to do on any given day. Aside from laundry and dinner, there are also errands to run, groceries to buy and so much more. When you add a pregnancy to the mix, it can quickly become overwhelming as anxieties set in. Taking time out of the day to meditate has shown to significantly decrease tensions and allow you to release negative energy that can directly impact your baby. Not to mention, it helps you to think clearly and make the best decisions during your pregnancy.
Immunoboost
It is crucial that you keep your body free from harmful bacteria as your child is busy developing vital organs. Therefore, it’s up to you to best ensure your immune system is at its best, but that can prove difficult when you are tired and strained. Ten minutes of meditation can quickly turn that around and you can quickly find yourself more energized and prepared to face the rest of the day. The increase in energy allows for your immune system to function at its best.
Proper Circulation
Until your baby is born, it’s completely up to you to provide him or her with everything needed to survive, and that is done through the umbilical cord and blood. As can be assumed, maintaining proper circulation is a big deal. When meditating, you will be focused on taking deep breaths and this translates into more oxygen in the blood. When you allow for proper blood absorption, you significantly reduce your chances from developing common circulatory issues experienced during pregnancy such as Hypoxia.
The Big Day
The benefits of meditation during pregnancy are present all the way up to the big day. While most expectant mothers are ready to give birth by the third trimester, there is that inevitable sense of fear of the upcoming pain to be endured. As a result, it is all too common for mothers-to-be to panic during labor. Practice makes perfect, and, since meditation involves deep breathing and focus, those who practice it during pregnancy will be more mentally prepared to face the day. Not to mention, since the baby is more likely to receive proper oxygen, you can reduce your chance of the need for emergency intervention during labor.
A Hormone Not to be Overlooked
When we think of hormones, we tend to focus on estrogen and testosterone. However, there are others that are overlooked yet highly important. Dehydronepiandrosterone, also known as DHEA, is responsible for ensuring proper motor skills and memory. Other vital benefits it fosters include:
- Proper immunity
- Agility
- Proper vision
Meditation has shown to improve DHEA levels in pregnant women and this helps you keep your mind clear and focused on what’s best for your baby while simultaneously keeping your organs functioning properly.
Bonding with Baby
Meditation involves the focus of the mind, and many believe this can allow you to make a deeper connection with the life growing inside you. This is a stressful time, and allowing yourself to stay calm and as stress-free as possible allows the baby to also relax and better connect with you.