Why the Vagus Nerve Matters in Pregnancy — and How to Support It
Most of us think of pregnancy in terms of hormones, scans and growing bellies — but there’s another biological system quietly shaping how your body adapts, responds to stress, and even how you feel emotionally: the vagus nerve.
The vagus nerve — also called cranial nerve X — is the longest and one of the most important parts of the parasympathetic nervous system. It acts as a major communication highway between your brain and your organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It helps regulate involuntary functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, inflammation, and immune responses.
The Science of Self-Care in Pregnancy, Postpartum & Motherhood: Why It Matters for Both Mother and Baby
Pregnancy, the postpartum period and early motherhood are often described in emotional terms — joyful, overwhelming, transformative — yet they are also some of the most physiologically demanding stages of life. Behind the scenes, a mother’s body is navigating profound hormonal shifts, nervous system changes, tissue healing, disrupted sleep and an increased cognitive and emotional load.
In this context, self-care is not indulgent. It is biologically necessary. Increasingly, research shows that when women are supported to regulate stress, rest and recover — alongside receiving appropriate medical care — outcomes improve not only for mothers, but for babies and families too.
Pressure Points of Calm: Reflexology’s Role in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of profound change — not only physically, but emotionally and mentally. Many expectant mothers explore complementary therapies to ease discomfort, reduce stress, and prepare for birth. Among these, reflexology has gained particular interest as a gentle, non-invasive option. But what exactly is reflexology, and what does science say about its role in pregnancy?