Most mums-to-be spend a lot of time worrying about their developing baby.

But remember, it’s just as important during the next nine months to tune in to someone else’s cues: your own.

Maybe you’re exceedingly tired. Or thirsty. Or hungry. Maybe you and your growing baby need some quiet time to connect.

Your doctor or midwife may say, “Listen to your body.” But for many of us, that’s followed by “how?”

Meditation can help you listen to your voice, your body, that small heartbeat — and help you feel refreshed and a bit more focused.

Some of the benefits of practicing meditation include:

• better sleep
• connecting to your changing body
• anxiety/stress relief
• peace of mind
• less tension
• positive labor preparation
• lower risk of postpartum depression

Scientists have studied the benefits of meditation on pregnant women and they have shown that it can help mums-to-be throughout pregnancy and especially at birth.

Mothers who have high levels of stress or anxiety during pregnancy are more likely to deliver their babies at preterm or low birth weights.

Prenatal stress can also impact foetal development. Studies have shown that it can even affect cognitive, emotional, and physical development in infancy and childhood. All the more reason to squeeze in some meditation time!