The Vagus Nerve: A Quiet Companion in Pregnancy and New Motherhood. What is the Vagus Nerve? How can we look after the Vagus Nerve?

If you’ve been pregnant or welcomed a new baby recently, you may have noticed that your body and emotions feel… different. Perhaps your heart races more easily, your digestion feels off, you feel tearful or irritable for no obvious reason, or you struggle to truly relax even when you get a quiet moment. For many women, these changes can feel confusing or even worrying.

One part of the body that is gaining more attention in conversations about wellbeing, especially during pregnancy and early motherhood, is the vagus nerve. It isn’t something most of us were ever taught about, yet it plays a quietly powerful role in how safe, calm and connected we feel.

What is the vagus nerve?

The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the brain down through the face, throat, heart, lungs and digestive system. It acts like a communication superhighway between the brain and the body, constantly sending messages back and forth about what’s happening inside us and around us.

During pregnancy and after birth, your nervous system goes through enormous change. Hormonal shifts, physical recovery, lack of sleep and the emotional weight of caring for a baby all place extra demands on this communication system. When the vagus nerve is under strain, it can show up in subtle ways: feeling on edge, experiencing digestive discomfort, struggling with overwhelm, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others.

Understanding the vagus nerve isn’t about finding something else to ‘fix’ or manage. For many mums, it can simply offer reassurance. It can help explain why your body reacts the way it does during such a tender and demanding season of life, and remind you that these responses are deeply human.

A gentle way to begin supporting your vagus nerve is simply noticing moments when you feel safe or soothed. A slow exhale, a comforting voice, a warm cup of tea held in both hands. These small experiences matter more than they might seem. So if that’s all you have time for today, especially whilst looking after a new baby, then it’s still worthwhile self-care.

Rose