Engaging in breathwork during pregnancy can be a profoundly enriching experience, fostering a remarkable connection with the precious life growing within. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are situations where it may not be deemed safe for both the expectant mother and the baby. To ensure optimal safety, there are specific precautions that can be taken. Given the limited availability of information on breathwork during pregnancy, this article aims to shed light on the subject, offering guidance for pregnant women and breathwork facilitators alike.
Essential Precautions to Note
Before delving further into this discussion, it is imperative to emphasize that individuals who are pregnant, on medications, or have any chronic health condition must always consult with their healthcare provider before engaging in breathwork. It is important to note that we are not medical professionals, and the insights presented in this article are merely reflective of our opinions.
For breathwork facilitators, we strongly recommend ensuring that the participant has obtained approval from their medical provider. Additionally, it is advisable to have them sign a waiver. If any uncertainty or unease arises about facilitating breathwork for a pregnant individual, we encourage facilitators to trust their intuition and err on the side of caution.
Distinguishing Breathwork From Breath Practices
Beyond precautions, it is essential to distinguish breathwork from other breath practices, as they differ significantly. Many traditional breath practices are safe and beneficial during pregnancy. However, when we refer to Breathwork, we specifically mean conscious, connected Breathwork (CCB) or ‘circular breathing,’ a technique central to Unity Breathwork. Breathwork entails deep, connected breaths without a pause between inhaling and exhaling for an extended duration. This intentional breathing fosters heightened awareness, induces profound physiological changes, and shifts one’s state of consciousness. These effects open the door to swift healing and transformation.
So Is Breathwork During Pregnancy Safe?
Returning to the critical question: Is practicing Breathwork during pregnancy safe? Unfortunately there is a scarcity of scientific studies on Breathwork in general, and even fewer specifically addressing its safety during pregnancy. Consequently, providing a definitive answer becomes challenging. If you’re expecting, the ultimate decision on whether to engage in Breathwork rests with you, considering both your well-being and that of your baby. To aid in this decision-making process, here are five factors worth considering.
5 Guiding Factors for Assessing the Safety of Breathwork During Pregnancy
- Gestational Stage:
The number of weeks into your pregnancy is a pivotal factor to consider. The initial months are deemed high-risk, and due to the profound physical connection between mother and fetus, coupled with the intense emotions that Breathwork can evoke, it is advisable to refrain from Breathwork until at least 12-16 weeks into the pregnancy. - Delicate Pregnancy:
In cases of a delicate pregnancy, it might be prudent to postpone Breathwork until after childbirth. However, gentle breath practices such as heart coherence breathing, the box breath, and the hummingbird breath can still offer benefits. Frederick Leboyer’s “The Art of Giving Birth: With Chanting, Breathing, and Movement” is a valuable resource for such practices. - Pre-existing Health Conditions:
Breathwork is contraindicated for certain health conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, acute heart conditions, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, aneurysms, glaucoma, history of stroke, and severe psychiatric symptoms. Certain medications may also pose risks. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before engaging in Breathwork, regardless of if you are pregnant or not. - Blood Pressure Levels:
Considering that Breathwork can influence blood pressure, both through the technique itself and the emotions it may elicit, monitoring your blood pressure is crucial. Deviations from the normal range (120/80 mmHg) can lead to dizziness or fainting if too low, or impede blood flow to the placenta if too high. If your blood pressure is not within the normal range (below 90/60 or above 140/90), caution is advised before undertaking Breathwork. - Prior Experience with Breathwork
A final factor worth consider is your experience level with Breathwork. Breathwork, has the potential to elicit intense emotional releases, often characterized as ‘extreme.’ If you have a history of engaging in multiple Breathwork sessions before your pregnancy, it’s likely that you’ve confronted and released numerous buried emotions. This experience may contribute to an improved capacity for self-regulation during Breathwork and a reduced likelihood to experience intense, cathartic releases. Conversely, for those new to Breathwork, especially if there is a history of trauma, it’s important to be aware that an intense physical and emotional release during a session is more likely to occur. This heightened emotional experience could potentially introduce stress to your baby, a concern that is particularly significant in the first trimester.
Guidelines for Safe Breathwork During Pregnancy:
- If your healthcare provider has given the green light for Breathwork during your pregnancy, it’s crucial to engage with a qualified facilitator. A skilled facilitator can provide the necessary support and consistently reinforce feelings of safety and relaxation throughout your journey.
- We strongly recommend breathing through the nose instead of the mouth. This is because Breathwork tends to lower carbon dioxide levels (CO2), and since CO2 levels are naturally reduced during pregnancy, maintaining a delicate balance between CO2 and oxygen becomes paramount. Nasal breathing can help mitigate the drop in CO2 levels associated with Breathwork.
- It’s advisable to maintain a slower pace, ensuring that each breath is deep yet gentle. Before starting your Breathwork session, set a positive intention. Rather than aiming for a major release or breakthrough, consider focusing on something that promotes ease, such as connecting with the baby inside you or cultivating inner peace and serenity. Relax into each breath, allowing whatever arises to flow without resistance.
- Create a comfortable space for yourself, utilizing pillows, blankets, and bolsters if available to enhance physical comfort. Choose a position that feels best for you; if sitting, opt for a cushion or a rolled-up blanket for support. If you prefer leaning against a wall, grant yourself that option, and consider bending your legs and touching your knees for added support.
- When lying down, starting on your back with a blanket or pillow under your knees can support your lower back. Breathing on your side, especially if you are further along in your pregnancy, can be particularly beneficial. In this position, keeping the bottom leg straight and the top leg bent with a cushion under the tummy and a bolster between the legs can maximize both support and comfort.
Closing Thoughts on Breathwork During Pregnancy
When approached within a safe container, guided by a qualified facilitator, and under the approval of your healthcare provider, Breathwork can evolve into a profoundly beautiful practice. Beyond fostering a deep connection with your little one, it has the potential to prepare your body for childbirth by imparting the invaluable skills of relaxation and surrender. Emphasizing a slow, gentle breathing pattern is typically advisable, all while attentively heeding the messages your body conveys and respecting its guidance.
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Indri Hapsari, for generously sharing her expertise on this subject and contributing to the development of this informational piece. For those interested in working directly with Indri Hapsari, you can connect with her on Instagram: @healwithindri.
Interested in Embarking on a Breathwork Journey in a Safe Container?
If you’ve progressed beyond your first trimester, are experiencing a healthy pregnancy, and have received the green light from your doctor, I would be honored to create a supportive space for you to breathe and connect with your little one inside. Feel free to message me with any inquiries or to schedule an online or in-person Breathwork session by contacting me here.
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