Singing & Pregnancy: A Practical Guide

Welcome to a deep dive into the world of singing and pregnancy. Even if you're not pregnant, this is a valuable topic because hormones affect everyone, regardless of gender. Let's explore how these changes can impact your voice and your singing.

The Origin of the Topic

This discussion originated from our Singing Insiders community, where members develop their singing skills. We host monthly masterclasses on various topics like performance, auditioning, and mixed voice. During one session, a member privately asked about singing during pregnancy. This question was too important to ignore, as it touches on a broader topic: the influence of hormones on singing.

Personal Experience and Disclaimer

I want to share my personal experience with singing during pregnancy. Currently, I'm in my third trimester, and by the time you read this, my baby might already be born. My experiences might differ from yours, and each pregnancy can vary. Take these insights as guidelines and feel free to share your experiences.

Impact of Hormones on Vocal Cords

Hormones can significantly influence your vocal cords. For me, pregnancy hormones cause a bit more breathiness in my voice. This is due to slight swelling of the vocal cords. While this can be concerning, there are techniques to manage it, and it's scientifically proven that hormones do affect the voice.

Breath Support Challenges

One of the most noticeable changes during pregnancy is the growing belly, which impacts diaphragmatic breath support. The expanding belly pushes the diaphragm up, making it harder to breathe deeply when singing. Here are some tips to manage this:

• Use breath bites
• Activate diaphragmatic breathing
• Avoid upper breathing

Managing Physical Limitations

Pregnancy can make standing for long periods challenging due to tight hips and lower back pain. However, you don't necessarily have to stand to sing effectively. Here are some tips for singing while sitting:

• Find balance on sitting bones
• Maintain proper posture
• Apply standing principles to sitting

Connecting with Your Baby Through Singing

One of the most beautiful aspects of singing during pregnancy is the connection it fosters with your baby. My baby reacts to my singing, which creates a special bond. This connection through sound can also be explored with children outside the womb, fostering deeper relationships.

Hormonal Changes and Their Effects

Hormonal fluctuations affect not only pregnant women but also those experiencing menstrual cycles. Some artists avoid performances during certain times in their cycle due to voice changes. Men also experience daily hormonal cycles that can subtly influence their voices. It's worth exploring how your voice feels at different times of the day.

Transforming Limitations into Opportunities

Whether it's pregnancy, physical limitations, or mental challenges, it's essential to view these as opportunities rather than obstacles. Ask yourself: How can you turn what seems to limit you into something that serves you? Reflect on this question, and let the answer come to you naturally.

Conclusion

I hope this discussion has inspired you to see how various factors can influence your singing and how you can turn challenges into opportunities. Thank you for spending time with me and being open to this topic. If you want to learn more about the Singing Insiders, check the link in the description. Looking forward to seeing you next week. Thank you and goodbye!

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