Embodying the Emotional Pregnancy: Design Explorations of a Prenatal Yoga Multi-Sensorial Environment

Abstract

This paper introduces the design explorations of a multi-sensorial environment focused on emotional pregnancy. We define emotional pregnancy as the psychological and mental reactions to the transitional experiences towards motherhood/becoming a parent. We draw from insights into pregnant women's experiences and expert knowledge shared by midwives and doula to develop a sensorial experience and toolkit that combine affirmations, light, sound, movements and journaling. This is deployed within the context of a prenatal yoga setting with three women at different stages in their pregnancy. We offer insights into how a multi-sensorial approach to designing for the wholeness of pregnancy can support and empower women in their experiences of pregnancy, expand on societal understandings and foster the value of emotions during this time.