The Yin and Yang of Pregnancy

Yin and Yang are opposites. This opposition is relative, and can only be spoken of in relationships, pregnacy is yin, labour is yang.

As a total state of yin is reached, yang begins to grow. Within Yin there is Yang and within Yang there is yin. As the end of the pregnancy is reached, the labour process starts to develop. Within labour, the rest periods are yin while the contractions are yang. The rise and peak of a contraction is yang, and the decline of a contraction is yin.

Yin and Yang are continuously changing and being consumed. Normally this is a harmonious change, but when Yin or Yang are out of balance they affect each other, and too much of one can eventually weaken the other. Strong and frequent contractions with minimal rest periods is and example of Yang consuming Yin.

When the time is right, yin and yang can change into each other. Birth only comes when labour is finished.