Meditation for Expectant Mothers
Medical research reports show that pregnant women who practice meditation every day during pregnancy can improve their weight, reduce the chance of premature birth, and lower the risk of neonatal complications.
The following are the benefits of meditation for pregnant women:
1. Reduce depression and frustration
Depression can inhibit fetal health, especially the immune system. It is very common for women to feel depressed and frustrated during pregnancy.
Medical research indicates that depression can lead to the following complications:
- ─ Light weight
- ─ Increased risk of childbirth for pregnant women
- ─ Increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth
- ─ Increased risk of fetal defects
- ─ Lead to premature birth
- ─ Increased use of medications
- ─ Increased labor pain
- ─ Frustrated family members
Practicing meditation during pregnancy is a safe practice for reducing depression and maintaining the normal development of the fetus's immune system. Research reports also show that depression in pregnant women can reduce their pain tolerance. Meditation not only reduces depression hormone secretion and increases pain tolerance, but also helps the fetus secrete endorphins, transforming pain into a pleasurable sensation.
2. More endorphins
Endorphins have a powerful effect in relieving pain and increasing pleasure. They also have an analgesic effect during labor. The more women practice meditation during pregnancy, the higher their endorphin levels are during labor.
3. Enhanced DHEA
DHEA is a hormone that strengthens vitality. Benefits of DHEA:
- ─ Strengthen the immune system
- ─ Prevent certain diseases
- ─ Increase vitality and vigor
- ─ Reduce stress and depression
- ─ Improve your mood
- ─ Balancing brain chemicals
- ─ Good for vision, hearing, muscles and bones
- ─ Promotes normal blood pressure
Since meditation can increase the DHEA index in the body, pregnant women practicing meditation can also help increase the fetus's DHEA hormone index.
4. Increase melatonin
Melatonin is known to stimulate the immune system and has a calming effect, improving mood and increasing feelings of contentment and happiness.
According to a clinical trial conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Medical Center, practicing meditation can indeed increase melatonin levels in the body. This result means that pregnant women who practice meditation will feel calmer and happier for both mother and fetus.
5. Improve heart rate and blood pressure
Practicing meditation can lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce the risk of pregnancy toxemia and uterine epilepsy, which may harm the brain.
6. Reduce the use of cesarean sections and analgesics
Pregnant women who practice meditation can reduce the need for surgery, medication, and painkillers. Clinical trial reports indicate that women who practice meditation during pregnancy can reduce the risk of surgery by 56% and the use of painkillers by 85%.
The meditation courses for pregnant women developed by Yuandan Trinley Dorje Rinpoche include "Pregnant Women Meditation Health Course", "Mother and Child Meditation Spiritual Course", and "Fetal Meditation Course".
For details, please contact your local temple meditation center.