Listening to Your Body: Symptoms the Vagus Nerve May Help Explain

Many new or expectant mums notice physical or emotional symptoms that don’t always have a clear explanation. You might have been told that ‘it’s just hormones’ or ‘part of being a mum’, which can feel dismissive even when it’s well meant.

The vagus nerve offers a lens through which these experiences can make more sense. Because it connects to so many systems in the body, its state can influence a wide range of sensations and feelings.

Some mums notice changes in digestion, such as bloating or nausea that lingers beyond early pregnancy. Others feel a tight chest, shallow breathing, or a sense of panic that seems to come from nowhere. Emotionally, there may be moments of low mood, irritability, or a feeling of being disconnected from joy.

These experiences don’t mean something is ‘wrong’. Often, they reflect a nervous system that has been stretched by months of anticipation, birth, recovery and round-the-clock caregiving.

Be curious, listen to your body without judgement.

Becoming curious about these signals, rather than judging them, can be surprisingly soothing in itself. You might start to notice patterns, perhaps symptoms worsen when you’re overtired, hungry, or feeling unsupported. This awareness can help you offer yourself a little more kindness.

Simple practices that engage the senses can be supportive for the vagus nerve. Gentle humming, slow breathing with a longer exhale, or spending a few minutes outdoors noticing sounds and colours can all create moments of settling.

Again, this isn’t about adding another task to your list. It’s about recognising that your body is communicating, and that listening is a form of care.

With frequent practice it’ll soon become a habit and you can catch yourself before burnout or feeling very low.

Rose

Time in nature can be really beneficial to your mental health and calm your nervous system