How to Breathe during Labour

Welcome Back!

We have already seen the Role of Exercise in Pregnancy & labour & the modes of Relaxation during Labour. To understand how the following breathing techniques help during labour, it is first important to understand how labour works.


Labour is a series of events that bring about the opening up of the cervix (opening of the mouth of uterus) descent of the foetus and finally the delivery of the baby and the afterbirths. It commences with the onset of true pain and uterine contractions, which bring about gradual opening up of the cervix.


Now, each contraction has three phases:

1. Preparatory Phase- Beginning of contraction
2. Active Phase- Highest intensity of pain
3. Recovery Phase- End of contraction

Types of Breathing:

(Always Begin (Preparatory Phase) & End (Recovery Phase) with a Deep Breath.

Throughout the Active Phase-

• Slow Paced Breathing: Inhale (4 counts in) & Exhale (4 counts out) slowly.
• Shallow "Hee-Hee" Breathing: Focus on breathing out, blowing from your mouth, one breath/second.
• "Hee-Hee-Blow" Breathing: This is the same as shallow Hee-Hee breathing. After every 5-6 breaths, blow out/'sigh'.

The above kinds of breathing can be used throughout labour. Slow paceed breathing used more for relaxing during a contraction.

Many times, without complete cervical dilatation, an involuntary urge to push is felt. At times like these, your doctor would advice to avoid pushing. In such cases, Blow gently from your mouth. You can practice this technique with a candle-Blow gently just to flicker the candle flame.

When its time to push-Inhale deeply & Exhale with pursed lips (like when blowing a whistle), Tighten Tummy & simultaneously relax Pelvic Floor & Slowly Push.

These techniques are extremely helpful if practiced regularly from 8th month onwards.

Breathe your way through labour & have a safe delivery!

Happy Motherhood!