Healthwise

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Breathing Techniques for Childbirth

Overview

During childbirth, breathing in a rhythm can help distract you from pain. It can also help relax your muscles and your mind.

As your due date gets closer, you can learn and practice different ways of doing focused breathing, such as belly breathing and pant-pant-blow breathing. Childbirth classes can also teach you breathing techniques.

Learning more than one technique can be helpful. You can change techniques as your labor changes. For example, belly breathing may work well during early labor. And pant-pant-blow breathing may be more helpful when your contractions get more intense.

Belly breathing

As you breathe in, you will expand your belly outward. And as you breathe out, you will relax your belly downward. Do this type of breathing in between or during contractions. Take your time with each breath.

  1. Put one hand on your belly just below your ribs and the other hand on your chest.
  2. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and let your belly push your hand out. Your chest should not move.
  3. Breathe out through pursed lips as if you were whistling. Feel the hand on your belly go in as you push all the air out.

Pant-pant-blow breathing

You will breathe in and then pant out your breath in a pattern.

  1. As your contraction starts, take a deep breath in through your nose.
  2. Breathe out through your mouth in 2 short pants followed by one longer blow. You may have heard this described as "hee-hee-hooooo."
  3. Repeat the steps until the contraction stops. Each cycle should take about 10 seconds.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Due to the threat of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we are taking precautionary measures to protect our staff and patients. We are implementing a temporary NO VISITOR policy at this time. Only patients or patients and their guardians will be allowed into the office. Please note, this is not to inconvenience anyone! The virus is a very real threat and it is essential that we stay healthy in order to provide needed care for our patients. If you are sick, we ask that you CALL the office to speak with a nurse before you come in. The nurse will provide specific instructions for you. Please DO NOT enter the office if you are sick (upper respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, or flu like symptoms). We are closely monitoring the situation and will update you as circumstances change. Thank you for your understanding!!