Benefits of Meditation—biological and emotional—pass to a child in the womb through the pregnant woman’s bloodstream. A study by the Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation in India found that daily Yoga and Meditation during pregnancy seems to improve birth weight, reduce premature births, and lessen overall medical complications for newborns[2]. Anxiety suppresses the body’s health functioning, especially in terms of the immune system. Anxiety and stress are common accompaniments to pregnancy, with definite side effects. Anxiety during pregnancy may: Meditation is a safe way to reduce anxiety and restore the normal functioning of the immune system during pregnancy and childbirth[4]. Anxiety also reduces pain tolerance. Meditation not only increases pain tolerance by reducing stress hormones, it also helps the body produce endorphins, which go beyond relieving pain to enhancing pleasure. Endorphins include Enkephalins and Dynorphins, substances associated with feelings of pleasure, sexuality/sensually, euphoria and pain relief. Essentially, endorphins promote a sort of “bliss,” providing a sense of well-being. Low levels of endorphins are associated with the opposite effects: physical and emotional pain Endorphins have a powerful pain-relieving and pleasure-enhancing effect. As pain increases during labor, endorphins also increase to help mediate the pain. The more a woman meditates during pregnancy the higher her endorphin level will be during delivery[5]. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by your body’s adrenal glands. DHEA is a hormone with many life-enhancing benefits[6]: Since Meditation elevates levels of DHEA in the body, a pregnant woman who meditates presents her womb child with all the vital benefits of this hormone. Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland , a small gland in the brain. Melatonin helps control your sleep and wake cycles. Very small amounts of it are found in foods such as meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables. You can also buy it as a supplement[8]. Melatonin is well known to boost the immune system and overall health. It has a calming effect, improving mood and enhancing contentment and a sense of wellbeing[9]. Research at the University Of Massachusetts Medical Center confirmed that Meditation heightens levels of Melatonin[10]. This means Mother and Womb Baby grow calmer and happier through Meditation. Meditation reduces Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, in turn lowering the risk of Pre-Clampsia(potentially dangerous pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure) and pre-term damage to the brain. Meditation can reduce the need for surgery, drugs, and anesthesia during delivery. Research shows that among Pregnant Meditators the rate of Caesarean Section Surgery went down by 56 percent and the use of epidural anesthesia went down by 85 percent[11]. Certain types of Meditation can help women feel more connected to their babies while they are in the womb. When a woman’s mind becomes calmer and more focused, she can concentrate on her womb baby, helping her bond with the baby. According to one Meditation instructor finds that women feel calmer after Meditation and enjoy doing it. One woman told her that her baby moves gently “as if responding to mom’s emotions.” Most women who are pregnant are eager to do whatever they can to make sure their child gets the best possible start at life. Meditation is one potent way to optimize both the mother’s and the womb baby’s health and strengthen the bond between mother and child. The effects of Meditation on pregnancy can have long lasting effects, not only on mother and child, but also on everyone in the family. Place your hands on your belly, gently cradling the baby. Observe the sensations felt beneath your hands. Breathe slowly, inhale and exhale. If a thought arises, let it float away, as if it were a cloud in the sky. Try doing this for five minutes each day, gradually adding more time each week. Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, Namo Namo Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Namo Namo Pritham Bhagvati, Pritham Bhagvati, Pritham Bhagvati, Namo Namo Kundalini Mata Shakti, Mata Shakti, Namo Namo Oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tát savitúr váreṇyaṃ bhárgo devásya dhīmahi dhíyo yó naḥ pracodáyāt Concept meditation is a technique where you visualise a concept or object. This can include the waves of the sea, a blue sky, a flower, leaf, crystal, pebble, a Religious God or your growing baby. Walking meditation can calm your restless mind. Walk around a chosen spot (pleasant meadows, parks or home backyard) and, as you move, concentrate on your breathing and your pace. Ask your partner to take you out for a small walk so you both can also spend some quality time with each other. While practicing Meditation during Pregnancy make sure to keep a stable breathing pattern. If at any point you start puffing, you should discontinue Meditation and take a moment to relax and catch your breath. [1] http://eocinstitute.org/meditation/meditation-benefits-for-pregnancy/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15865489 [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4447112/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4336321/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2170475/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16617690 [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9008662 [8] www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/melatonin-overview [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1325257/ [10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4769029/ [11] http://www.thecrystalcabin.co.uk/m/Pregnacy-Maternity-Meditation.html [12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3424788/ [13] http://www.spiritvoyage.com/blog/index.php/mantra-chanting-top-5-mantras-shabads-for-pregnancy/
Reduced Anxiety and Stress[3]
More Endorphins
Enhanced DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Increased Melatonin
Better Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Less Caesarian Section and Epidural Anesthesia
Enhanced Connection between Mother and Child
How to Meditate During Pregnancy[12]
Deep Belly Meditation
Mantra Chanting[13]
Concept Meditation
Walking Meditation
Precautions
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