During labor, the normal breathing pattern may change, as the pregnant lady tends to hold her breath or panic breath, which can make her more tense and anxious.

Controlling the breathing can be:

• Calming
• Reducing heart rate and blood pressure
• Helping in getting more oxygen
• Helping in coping with pain

The lady can start practicing the breathing techniques during pregnancy so it would be easier later during labor.

Early breathing:

When the contractions start (maybe before arriving at the hospital or still at home), breath in deeply through the nose and out slowly through the mouth, repeat for one minute (~ one contraction duration) or until the contraction is over, with focusing on relaxing.

During active labor:

• Relax the shoulder
• Breath in slowly through the nose and breath out through the mouth
• Keep the breathing as slow as possible and speed up when the contractions get more intense
• When the contractions are at their peak, make the breathing lighter, in and out through the mouth, one breath per second
• While breathing, try to focus on something in the room such as a picture or a spot on the wall
• When the intensity decreases, go back to the slow breathing
• Can verbalize the breathing with sounds such as “hoo” 

During the second stage of labor:

• You can use the breathing to focus on pushing the baby out
• Breath in then hold your breath for 6 seconds with each contraction
• Then you may prefer to hold your breath as you push, or release it slowly through your mouth
• You can repeat step (2) and (3) three to four times during one contraction
• When the doctor asks you to stop pushing, taking small quick breaths (panting) might help