Achieving relaxation during pregnancy

The joys of pregnancy are accompanied with a range of discomforts that can make it difficult for you to feel comfortable or relaxed. Your hormones can also cause you to experience a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It is important to remain relaxed and calm during your pregnancy as stress can take a toll on your overworked body and affect you and your baby’s wellbeing. Here are some tips and natural therapies you can try for relaxation during pregnancy:

Aromatherapy for relaxation
Aromatherapy can aid relaxation by helping soothe and ease the discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, constipation, fluid retention, lower back pain and heart burn.

During pregnancy it is common for women to feel uncomfortable and have difficulty in getting a good night’s sleep. Aromatherapy can be used for sleeping troubles and can be used to calm and relax mother and baby on a physical, mental and emotional level. Aromatherapy can also be used to achieve emotional balance.

Aromatherapy can be used during pregnancy to aid relaxation. However, a certain degree of caution must be exercised as some oils are unsuitable for pregnant women and/or at different stages of pregnancy. Consult a practitioner before using aromatherapy during pregnancy.

Relaxation with yoga
Pregnant women are turning to prenatal yoga as a way to aid relaxation, build strength and centre the mind. Mums-to-be are also drawn to prenatal yoga as a way to improve circulation and mobility and other ailments experienced during pregnancy including back and hip pain, fatigue, fluid retention, leg cramps, constipation, insomnia, heartburn and varicose veins. Yoga also teaches deep breathing which encourages and aids relaxation and stress relief. Taking a specific prenatal class is advised as this will offer specialised attention and focus on beneficial and safe postures for pregnancy.

Yoga, along with others forms of gentle exercise such as Pilates, tai chi and walking, help aid relaxation and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Achieving relaxation with a massage therapy
A pregnancy massage is a great way to pamper yourself, relieve stress and relax. A pregnancy massage uses gentle and soothing movements to help increase blood flow and reduce swelling. A pregnancy massage can help relieve aches and pains especially in the lower back and legs. The massage will take place in a calm environment which will allow you to fully experience the relaxation benefits available. A pregnancy massage can also aid with stress relief and allow you to have some time to yourself.

These different ways of relaxation offer some beneficial time out as well as providing stress relief. Many of these methods can also be used to prepare for labour.