What is creativity and can we be creative during pregnancy?

We are often stuck within our own “frames” of understanding on being creative and what we consider creativity is. In our mind, creativity frequently relates to something artsy. We tend to believe that only artists are creative and you need to be special and privileged to be creative.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I was only able to think of my dramatically changing pregnant body and the forthcoming birth. Everything that wasn’t closely related to this topic could hardly trigger my interest. I was sure I wasn’t any of creative anymore. I believed that nothing artistic has left in me. But that wasn’t really the truth. I actually got so profoundly creative – just in an unexpected way.

During my third trimester, I was continuously reading and doing researches on pregnancy and birth. I started connecting with other moms-to-be and became part of a community of women thinking out of the box. At a certain point, I was already part of a starting Natural birth movement in Bulgaria. I was educating myself on home birth; I was translating articles, video clips and movies. In the end, it resulted in me attending doula and midwifery courses and developing Expectant Parents Classes in collaboration with another friend of mine. So yes, I was creative, just not in the way I got used to thinking of creativity. I believe this is true for any of us, and everyone is creative in some way, which doesn’t mean this fact is necessarily being realised.

What happens with our brain during pregnancy?

We’ve heard a lot of the “Mommy brain” phenomenon and a lot of studies on this subject have been made. Hormone levels during pregnancy increase significantly with such as estrogen 300 times higher than normal. There is no other moment in human’s life with something so extraordinary happening as with what’s going on in a woman’s body during pregnancy.

I have noticed while chatting with other moms and of course, by exploring my own thoughts, that we tend to think of it as of a deficiency. But if we go deeper and analyse what a mother and her newborn baby need the most, we will have to admire and appreciate Nature for its smart approach. They need precious time together, they need bonding and cuddling. These acts are so simple yet so impossible for an overwhelmed brain with a list of tasks-to-do.

When we function in the state of Mommy brain, we develop a more intuitive and relaxed way of thinking and being. Mommy brain harmonizes our mind and our body, and it also allows us to reside in our optimal physical and mental health when the actual birth is about to begin. Mommy brain allows us to slow down and take our life to another level; we take advantage of more conscious existence, a higher level of patience, compassion and empathy, and greater awareness.

Brain waves, intuition and creativity

There are 5 types of brain waves with different frequencies. Becoming a mother involves an emotional and physical transition. During pregnancy, brain function changes to adapt to the new role, and theta waves (4-8 Hz) occur more often than normal. Theta waves are responsible for the state of deep meditation, hypnosis, trance or deep dream. While we are in this state of mind, time is shifting and changing, and is becoming a relatively and stretched concept; and reactions are swift and infallible. This is what we usually call intuition. This state of mind is also related to creativity. In this state of mind, we give birth.

Why is creativity important during pregnancy?

Well, I would say, first of all, because it is fun. The more fun you have, the easier to overcome moodiness, anxiety and depression that sometimes might occur due to the hormonal changes in your body. Second – creativity could make your pregnancy memorable. And finally, it can be hugely beneficial to both your physical health and your positive mindset. Here are only a few ideas:

How to get creative during pregnancy?

• Paint your belly
• Belly dance
• Make a belly cast
• Visit a gallery/art event
• Listen to beautiful music
• Make a painting
• Draw/colour a mandala
• Shoot some interesting pictures
• Go to a concert/theatre
• Write a journal

Pregnancy is a creative process

Being a parent is definitely one of the most transformational and challenging matters I have experienced in my life so far. It turned my entire world upside down. I had to give up control and learn to go with the flow. I am still learning. The most important thing that motherhood has taught me was that parenting is a process, not an event. Just like the most important thing that art has taught me was that creativity is a process, not a product.  Pregnancy is a creative process – the process of creation of a new life; creativity is the process of giving birth to a new form of existence. In my thoughts, both are inextricably linked. I believe one can help you find your way to the other and vice versa. What do you think? Please, share your thoughts in the comments below. I would really be curious to read as many different opinions as possible 🙂