Why do you have to do breathing exercises while giving birth?

Question

Just wondering. Water broke and I'm waiting for contractions to start because i called the doc and they want me to wait until they start.

Answer 1

because sometimes when women push, they hold their breath. it is to ensure that you are getting enough oxygen to the baby and you won't pass out during labor. it is only during active labor. for now, relax, go to the bathroom if you can, and hopefully someone will be driving you to the hospital soon.

Answer 2

The breathing exercises are to help you relax and to give you something to focus on instead of the pain. By focusing on your breathing you actually make the pain LESS than it will be if you don't do them but just keep yelling "ahhhh it hurts!" It's also important to get your body oygenated suring labor not only for your sake but your baby's as well and labor is rough on a baby.

Answer 3

You don't have to - you can breathe however you like, however, sometimes toward the end, breathing in patterns can help you better concentrate on relaxing, opening up, letting the baby come. It's very helpful if you are 100% natural.
One thing I didn't like was having them tell me to hold my breath to push - I told them no, I would keep breathing how I wanted.
Do whatever you need to do and have a fantastic experience! How exciting!!! Best Wishes!

Answer 4

It's easier for you during labor because during pushing you hold your breath a little. The doctor's also monitor how much oxygen the baby is getting.

Answer 5

When learning meditation in Buddhism, the first thing taught is to watch your breath. It relaxes the mind, and the body.

Answer 6

you don't have to but i strongly suggest it. it's useless to try and fight the pain and the breathing helps you to relax a bit and think of something else.

Answer 7

Because it calms you .... because some people are kind of scared of giving birth i imagine