GarbhShiksha

हिंदी में पढ़ें 

2 verses with meanings

Om chanting in pregnancy

Can you chant Om during pregnancy? Yes. Om is the simplest chant there is. The Mandukya Upanishad opens by calling it 'this whole world'. You need no beads and no special time. If your family has its own custom about Om, follow it. Many mothers chant it on waking, or whenever they feel uneasy.

Sit comfortably, breathe in naturally, and let a soft 'Ommm' ride out on the breath. Many people find a long, gentle out-breath relaxing. In a small study of adults who were not pregnant, slow, rhythmic recitation slowed their breathing. Seven to eleven rounds are plenty. Don't strain to make the sound long, don't hold your breath, and breathe in whenever you need to. In the last weeks and in early labour, some women like a low hum of 'Om' or 'mmm' on each out-breath. Many birth educators teach similar low sounds.

Om chanting may help you feel calmer. It does not treat nausea, and it won't change your baby's development, whatever you may read online. In labour, follow your doctor's or midwife's guidance first, and stop humming when they ask you to push in a particular way. If your pregnancy is high-risk, or you feel dizzy or breathless, stop and ask your doctor before you go on. Read our disclaimer

Simplest calming chant

Om, the First Sound

ओमित्येतदक्षरमिदं सर्वम् ।

om ity etad aksharam idam sarvam

Mandukya Upanishad 1

Meaning

Om is this whole world.

Why we suggest this

Om is the simplest chant. A long, soft 'Ommm' lengthens the out-breath, and many people find a long out-breath relaxing.

What you can expect

Many people feel calmer within a few rounds. Chant softly, never strain to make it long, and breathe in whenever you need.

Best time
Morning on waking, or any time you feel uneasy
How to practise
Chant a soft 'Om' 7–11 times; breathe naturally between rounds
Who can chant
Mother; family can read aloud on tired days
Best weeks
Weeks 4–13

Honest noteMay help you feel calmer. It does not treat nausea. Severe vomiting needs a doctor.

Theme: First Trimester Comfort

Softening the jaw and breath

Soft Om on the Out-Breath

ॐ

om

Mandukya Upanishad

Meaning

The sacred sound.

Why we suggest this

A low humming 'Om' or 'mmm' on a long, relaxed out-breath is similar to the low sounds many birth educators teach.

What you can expect

Many women find it helps them relax the jaw and pelvic floor. Follow your doctor's or midwife's guidance first.

Best time
Early labour and between contractions
How to practise
Low hum on each out-breath
Who can chant
Birth partner and mother
Best weeks
Weeks 37–40+ and during labour

Honest noteDo not use it while your midwife asks you to push in a particular way.

Theme: Labour & Delivery

Sources

We mention only what each study actually found. Most studies are small, and none of them replaces your doctor's advice. Read the disclaimer

  • Slow, rhythmic chanting and breathing

    What it found
    In 23 healthy adults, slow, rhythmic recitation of a prayer or a mantra slowed breathing to about six breaths a minute (from about 14 at rest). While they recited, the natural rise and fall of their heart rate became stronger and moved in step with the breath.
    What it doesn't show
    It did not include pregnant women, Sanskrit shlokas or babies, measured only short-term effects in a lab, and does not show any health benefit for pregnancy, labour or the baby. Six breaths a minute is what was measured, not a target to aim for.

    Bernardi et al. (2001). Effect of rosary prayer and yoga mantras on autonomic cardiovascular rhythms: comparative study. BMJ 323(7327):1446-1449.

    Read the summary on PubMedRead the full study (free)