Fit By Sara: Breathe for Relief from Your Third Trimester of Pregnancy

The third trimester of pregnancy is marked with excitement, anxiety and irritability. Your belly feels big and there’s no hiding that you are pregnant. Everyone you meet makes a comment about how big or small your belly is, saying things such as, “you look like you’re about to pop any minute”.

In this trimester, your baby is preparing you for soon-to-be sleepless nights when he/she presses on your bladder making you feel the urge to “pee” every couple of hours. And if you try not to think about being pregnant, your baby will remind you by nudging you in the ribs or by doing a flip in your belly. With your big bump, the simplest of tasks such as tying your shoes now becomes challenging. And because you know that your baby will be in your arms any day, you suddenly feel there is so much to do, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed.

With the myriad of emotions you may be wondering what you can do to ease your mind and body as well as lift your spirit and mood. My word of advice: BREATHE! Try these simple exercises to connect to yourself, your baby, and open up your pelvis to prepare you for your baby’s arrival.

Flowing Butterfly Stretch: In a comfortable seated position (you may use pillows underneath your buttocks) bring the soles of your feet together. Inhale. Bring both knees up toward the ceiling and look up. Exhale. Allow your knees to open back to the sides and release your head down. Repeat 10-12 times.

Connection Breath: In a comfortable seated position (you may use pillows under your buttocks and or sit against a wall or in a chair) bring one hand to your belly and the other to your heart. Focus on the hand at your heart and inhale all the love and compassion you have for your baby. As you exhale focus on the hand on your belly and connect the love and compassion you have at your heart to your baby. Repeat the breath for as long as you need.