You may have a lot of preconceived notions about hypnosis, but don’t worry, hypnosis during pregnancy won’t make you lose control or think you’re someone else. Hypnosis is really about harnessing the power of the mind, and in some cases, alleviating the pains associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
Many moms also find that it’s an empowering and relaxing way of letting go of some of the nagging fears that go along with being pregnant.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a way of altering your awareness, so that your subconscious (feelings, memories, emotions) comes to the forefront while your conscious (rational) mind takes the back seat for a while.
Hypnosis can involve music, soothing images, and guided visualization. Once the analytical part of your mind relaxes, you become more receptive to positive suggestions and affirmations.
How does hypnosis work?
Natal hypnosis, often called hypnobirthing, is a technique that uses the power of suggestion to alleviate fears of moms-to-be in order to make pregnancy and labor less stressful and in some cases, less painful. The technique taps into a part of the brain that helps you cope with fear and anxiety.
Many women use hypnosis to ease the pain of childbirth. When it comes to using hypnosis during labor, the theory is this: If you're scared, your body will respond accordingly by producing adrenaline, a hormone that makes your already-tense muscles more tense. That means your uterus has to work harder to contract and relax.
With effective hypnosis, your breathing is more even, which means more oxygen reaches you and your baby. When you’re stressed, it can hinder the production of oxytocin (the hormone that controls contractions) and endorphins (the feel-good natural chemicals that runners talk about) and slow down labor. And staying relaxed helps with the ultimate goal: keeping the oxytocin flowing so contractions are more effective and potentially less painful.
Another big benefit: Learning labor coping strategies, which can include hypnobirthing, can help you feel like you’re in the driver’s seat. Women who participate in hypnobirthing classes report feeling a sense of empowerment during labor and delivery, research shows. "I had an incredibly long labor and I do think hypnobirthing can help to just zone in and focus on meeting baby in those tough moments,” says What to Expect Community mom dd298.
Is hypnosis safe during pregnancy?
Hypnosis during pregnancy is safe and won’t hurt you or your baby. But if you're considering hypnosis during labor, be skeptical of any techniques that promise you’ll feel no pain whatsoever. You'll be pretty disappointed, which may only heighten your anxiety.
And, as with any alternative therapy, be sure to discuss your hypnosis plans in advance with your practitioner, so the two of you are on the same page once you're in labor. Keep in mind that hypnosis is not a last-minute option; you have to learn (and practice) hypnosis techniques well before labor starts for it to be effective.
When should I start practicing hypnobirthing?
Easing the fears and anxieties surrounding birth doesn’t usually happen overnight. It takes time to unpack long held stress, and that’s why hypnobirthing classes often start months before your baby-to-be makes her debut.
“But I took hypnobirth classes and practiced every day during the third tri, sometimes only five or 10 minutes. I think the consistent practice is more important than the class itself. It helped me tackle my fears!” says What to Expect Community mom sayoub.
Leading up to the big day, the classes also provide a deeper understanding of the birthing experience, empowering parents to choose where they’d prefer to give birth (in a hospital, birthing center, or at home) and what to expect once labor starts, as well as providing tips for a healthy pregnancy and a low-to-no-intervention birth.
It may be a good fit for moms who are considering an unmedicated birth. It’s also a great tool for getting your partner on board with what you envision your big day looking like long before it’s at your doorstep.
The classes usually meet once weekly in person and involve listening to hypnosis and relaxation recordings daily to prepare for labor. The cost is around $300 depending on where you live.
Often, one of the main stressors surrounding birth comes from trying to control something that can be difficult to predict. While hypnosis can be super helpful for moms leading up to delivery day, it doesn’t promise a pain-free birth or the exact birth plan that you had your heart set on months before.
What to Expect Community mom pumpkins2020 puts it like this: “Labor is still hard but it gives you the tools to work with it and have the confidence you can keep going. Like running a marathon, some parts you question yourself and want to stop but your training keeps you going!”
Still, hypnosis is a great technique for moms who have fears and anxieties about childbirth and hope to feel more relaxed when they’re actually in labor.
Keep the prep going — the What to Expect app has everything you need for labor, delivery, and beyond.
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