Pregnancy is a great time to try meditation, especially the last few weeks as you slow down. It is vital that you take time to rest and prepare for your new arrival. Whether you have had a child before or if you are about to become a mom/mummy for the first time, it can truly help to take time out to allow not just your body to relax but also to let your mind focus on what is important in your life.
Learning to sit comfortably in butterfly pose is a great place to start. Butterfly is what is called an opening position and is a great strengthener for the muscles needed for birth. Sitting on a yoga mat (or carpet, a thin cushion or wooden floor if you are comfortable), bend the knees with the feet together and drop the knees gently out to the sides. Take hand of the feet and draw them in towards the body, as close as comfort allows. Feel the head lifting, straightening the back and pulling your upper body slightly forwards. You are bending from the lower back and it is only be a small movement, rolling forwards a little on the tailbone. Note that you are not bending the upper back and pulling the head down, the head is looking forwards, back tall, slightly forwards, knees gently pushing towards the floor.
Try sitting in butterfly each day, even if just for a few minutes. You can spend a little time becoming more aware of your breathing, taking nice long inhalations and exhalations, meditate a little, even sing a song to your baby (it is believed your baby begins to recognize your voice during the second trimester).
