breathe · all techniques

Left-Side Settle

Sleep · Beginner · 8 rounds

A sleep breath for the third trimester, lying on your left.

Late-pregnancy insomnia is its own kind of tired: the position that's comfortable keeps changing and the mind fills the gap. Left-side lying takes the weight of the uterus off the vena cava and improves blood flow to the placenta; an exhale longer than the inhale, with a soft pause after it, gives the nervous system the signal to let go. Pillow between the knees, one under the bump.

How to practice

  1. Inhale for 4 seconds (through the nose)
  2. Exhale (Slow) for 7 seconds (through the nose)
  3. Rest for 2 seconds

Benefits

When to practice

In bed, on your left side. Continue at your own pace once the rounds end.

Also used for

Breathing Exercises for Pregnancy