Inhale contractions

Introduction

During the mental, as well as physical preparation for the birth, expectant mothers often ask themselves the question, how they can best meet the forthcoming contractions. Usually, the issue of correct breathing or breathing techniques during the contractions also arises. It is also often talked about “breathing in contractions“. Various breathing techniques can be learned, for example, in prenatal courses, which are usually led by experienced midwives.

What breathing techniques are there?

Correct breathing plays an important role in the birth process of spontaneous birth. The way of breathing differs in the different birth phases. The opening phase of birth is characterized by the so-called opening contractions.

These contractions occur rhythmically, first every 10 minutes and then every 2-3 minutes. They have a high intensity and require very regular breathing by the pregnant woman. It is recommended to inhale deeply and slowly through the nose at the beginning of the contractions and to exhale in a relaxed manner with the mouth open.

The inhalation should be longer than the exhalation. It often helps women to accompany the exhalation with long tones such as “Oh” and “Ah”. This ensures regular breathing.

Even with increasing frequency of contractions at the transition between the opening phase and the expulsion phase of childbirth, breathing should remain as regular as possible. Panting should be avoided, as this can lead to hyperventilation. In the expulsion phase, the baby will continue to push itself forward.

The so-called pressing contractions are accompanied by the greatest pain during birth. Often women then tend to hold their breath to push the baby out with them. However, this is a serious mistake.

Even if this seems to follow a normal instinct, one should make sure to breathe in and out regularly. Otherwise, exhaustion and a reduced supply of oxygen will occur more quickly. The woman should try to inhale again at the beginning of the contraction and then exhale easily.

It can help to count a rhythm internally. Breathing is somewhat faster here than in the opening phase. Nevertheless, one should be careful not to pant.

Breathing out with deep tones like “Ah” and “Oh” can also help to make your breathing as regular as possible. In the afterbirth phase, breathing from the opening phase can contribute to relaxation. One should breathe in deeply through the nose and out again through the mouth. The inhalation is again about twice as long as the exhalation.