Breathing exercises are a powerful way to manage stress and pain during labor. When you’re relaxed, your body can function more efficiently, and labor can progress more smoothly. One of the easiest techniques to use is deep breathing: slowly inhale through your nose, hold your breath for a moment, and then slowly exhale through your mouth. This helps your body calm down, lower blood pressure, and reduces the sensation of pain.
Focusing on your breath also helps distract you from the discomfort of contractions, reducing anxiety and keeping you in control of the situation. Breathing to relax can be used at any stage of labor—whether you’re just starting or are deep into the process—and is especially helpful if you start to feel overwhelmed.
At Borneo Mother & Child Hospital, our team will help you learn and practice these techniques ahead of time, ensuring you’re ready to use them when the big day arrives.
