Breathing exercises are very important during pregnancy. It is recommended that you practice three types of breathing patterns.

1. Deep abdominal breathing.: Do about 40-50 deep abdominal breaths every day. This will help to build your lung capacity and will also prepare your abdominal muscles for the second stage which is the pushing stage of labor.

2: Alternative nostril breathing : This can help in keeping the nasal passages clear. During pregnancy it is normal to feel the nasal passages a little blocked and this is due to the hormonal changes.

3: Short chest breaths : This should be practiced after week 28. Short breaths till the chest, breathing in thru the nose and exhaling thru the mouth. This will be also used during labor contractions and will help in labor pain management.

Practice these every day and make your pregnancy and birth comfortable.

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