The body of an expectant mother changes from day to day, this condition virtually affects every hormone. The womb is continually growing and this can already cause discomfort in the first trimester: one of the causes of nausea and shortness of breath (aside from hormonal effects) is the upwards shifting of the organs, while tension in the muscles causes the diaphragm to perform its function with a more limited efficiency. The growing womb impedes the blood flowing back from the lower limbs and pelvis to the heart. As a result, swelling and edemas appear on the legs, varicose veins may form on the legs and around the vaginal opening (on the vulva). With the passage of time, the womb places pressure on the rectum, which may lead to constipation and the appearance of hemorrhoids. Similarly to the heart, the kidneys’ workload intensifies during the nine months, at the 16-24th week it reaches its peak and it stays at that level up until birth. Following this, the pressure exerted by the growing womb somewhat reduces the kidneys’ blood supply, as a result of which, the urge to urinate becomes frequent while fluids accumulate in the tissue. Practically every mother-to-be experiences a light shortness of breath. Due to the growth of circulating blood volume more blood is supplied to the respiratory tracts, which causes them to bloat and constrict. This results in nasal congestion on occasion. The joints and ligaments in the pelvis loosen and become more elastic in preparation for giving birth. The posture of the woman will also change in a characteristic way. A frequent complaint is backaches of various severity, seeing as the curve of the spine increases in order to balance the growing mass of the womb. Pain and heaviness in the upper back is often due to the rising weight of the breasts. Going by everything described so far it would seem that expectancy is more of a burden than a joy. It’s possible to expect a child without the symptoms of pregnancy. The development of the child and healthy expectancy doesn’t begin from the moment of conception. Perhaps it seems excessive, but the first determining experience of the later development of the baby is actually the birth of the mother.
How is this possible?
In the case of undisturbed labor and a birth which ran its course naturally, the neurological system of the child being born is prepared for life outside the womb by constant stimuli. As a result, it won’t be unusual for the child even later in life to fight for change, and they will more readily assume responsibility for their actions. The mother whose own birth unfolded without traumas will similarly possess confidence to have children, and for such a mother the nine months are filled with joyful anticipation and she will not feel it as burdensome. In truth, the entire life of a woman (together with all the happiness and sorrow it entails) prepares her for having a child and for the experience of childbirth. It is crucial for the mother to live a balanced life during expectancy in every regard. Nutrition, exercise and joyful relaxing will reward the mother-to-be with physical and mental stability.
The role of MET during pregnancy
The brain responds to touch by producing serotonin, which helps create a more intimate relationship with our instincts and we can release the societal control ingrained in us. The reason this is important is because as the mind relaxes, the musculature is increasingly capable of adapting, and finally releasing completely during childbirth. Through the touches of MET the mother experiences complete safety which dissolves spiritual fears and stress caused by daily burdens. The loosening of muscles strengthens the inner conditions of the womb and thereby the cracking of the surface skin and the formation of stretch marks can be avoided. As a result of continuous treatment the muscles and organs will function more optimally, unnecessary anatomical compensation ceases. Expectancy and giving birth are a rite of passage for the mother. During this process old memories, fears and painful spiritual knots may rise up to the surface. In times like this, the therapist helping the woman on this path will be able to help process these things, so that together with the birth of the child, the woman can also transform into a mother. Expectancy and giving birth present a unique opportunity for the woman to meet with those memories and feelings which had thus far restricted her thought and action systems throughout her life. MET therapy helps to bring these to the surface gently and process them.
What kind of specific transformations can we hope to undergo?
During the first trimester the unpleasantness associated with the beginning of pregnancy are eased (fatigue, nausea, mood swings).
In the second trimester the focus is on preventing the formation of varicose veins and the gradual loosening of the stomach muscles.
In the third trimester the most important thing is to turn our attention to the anatomical changes, especially reducing the load on the back and legs, as well as preparing the body for giving birth.
Expectancy experienced with joy alleviates anxiety, reduces fear, and in the end makes the birthing process easier.
After giving birth regeneration will be faster and the posture problems resulting from nursing will be less pronounced.
The woman will become physically and spiritually more conscious, as a result of which the baby’s musculature and neurological system will develop harmoniously.
MET is not a suitable means of inducing birth
The reason why it is nevertheless possible that with its help the birthing “starts up” is that in every instance the staving off of giving birth has spiritual causes. The fact that the body doesn’t function perfectly as it would be natural is merely a symptom of this spiritual process. The effects of old, buried events (often experiences of violence), childhood and current fears of pain and the unknown can be a hindrance. It may be surprising, but many women are terrified they will lose their self-control and will scream and wail: unfortunately, the many negative experiences the expectant mother hears around her doesn’t help in the releasing of this fear. It is important in giving birth to be spiritually prepared and the body will in turn respond and react to this. The muscles and tissue soften and stretch in the last month, the joints start to drift apart and move around. If the spiritual synchronicity with this is lacking, it doesn’t matter what the hormones do, the body will not give in and will cling to something. Naturally this is not because of the baby; still, if the birthing doesn’t start spontaneously, effectively and with the least pain possible, it is a result of a symbolic attachment. During the application of MET therapy, the mother’s attention is drawn to those muscles and muscle groups (primarily through sensing them) which are responsible for the birthing process. If these areas remember pain, it’s possible that the client’s consciousness can free her body from these tormenting impressions and redirect the energy released towards the optimal muscular behaviors and other bodily functions. The female body almost always repays this effort with an easy birth.
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