The technique where the mother holds her breath and pushes to 'ten' and is discouraged is known as

• A. Paced breathing
• B. Slow breathing
• C. Free breathing
• D. Directed breathing or Valsalva breathing

Answer: (D)

This is directed breathing, also called Valsalva breathing. It involves taking a deep breath, holding it, and bearing down while pushing—often counting to ten. This breath-hold can increase intrathoracic pressure and reduce venous return to the heart, which temporarily lowers uteroplacental blood flow and can affect fetal oxygen delivery and tire the mother. Because of these effects, many childbirth education programs discourage prolonged breath-holding and use open-glottis or spontaneous pushing patterns that maintain continuous breathing and more comfortable, efficient pushing.