Massage During Pregnancy Can Help You in Many Ways
Massage during pregnancy is a therapeutic type of bodywork that is designed to address the needs of the pregnant women as her body goes through the typical changes of gestation. Massage can be received in all stages of pregnancy and is quite safe and often recommended by medical physicians, obstetricians, midwives and other related professionals.
Is Massage Safe during Pregnancy?
Massage therapy is very safe during the entire pregnancy, but must be performed by a trained professional. Massage during pregnancy can greatly improve your pregnancy experience and help your body get ready for labour. A pregnant woman's body is stressed in many ways during pregnancy therefore receiving prenatal massage often can only bring you benefits. Just tried it and you will love it!
Benefits of Massage during Pregnancy
Prenatal massage helps:
Sciatic pain
Low back pain
Constipation and digestion
Swelling of face and extremities
Headaches
Insomnia
Neck and shoulder pain
Hip and leg pain
Muscular cramping
Depression
Sleeping problems
Cardiovascular and circulatory problems
Prevent complications during birth
Studies have shown how maternal and newborn health benefits when relaxing, therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care. Also, massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce relieve muscles aches, ease joint pain, decrease anxiety, and prepare for an easy labour.
I believe that stress can be the cause of many health issues during pregnancy because many women do not slow down or take special care of themselves during this special time. Not because they do not want, simply because they can. Massage during pregnancy is often the only time a busy pregnant woman has to relax and take care of herself. A soothing pregnancy massage can help decrease norepinephrine and cortisol, which are stress hormones that can affect a pregnant body. Receiving a regular massage can increase dopamine and serotonin levels, which if low may lead to mood disorders including depression.
Sciatic Pain During Pregnancy
Many women experience sciatic pain during pregnancy, but especially during the last 4-6 weeks. This is due to the growing uterus that put pressure on the lower back and on the pelvic ligaments, nerves, vessels and muscles. The weight of the baby can cause strain on the nerves that innervate the lower extremities. The result is a sharp shooting pain that begins at the small of the back and travels toward the leg down to the knee or the foot. Sciatic pain is usually felt more on one side, but it can also alternate from left to right or vice versa. Regular massage during pregnancy helps decrease sciatic pain and helps re-align the body to improved posture.
Edema During Pregnancy
Edema is the swelling of face, joints and extremities during pregnancy. It is caused by an imbalanced water distribution within the tissues and by reduced circulation. Also, during the last stages of pregnancy, most likely during third trimester, the growing uterus puts pressure on the major blood vessels leading to low circulation in the extremities. Massage during pregnancy has the power to stimulate soft tissues and reduce accumulation of fluids in swollen joints like ankles, for example.
Position during Pregnancy Massage
Your registered massage therapist will most likely massage you while lying on your side during second and third trimester. Do not go to anyone who used massage tables with holes or pillows with holes. This can be very uncomfortable.
Seek an Expert Therapist
There are many certified prenatal massage therapist around, so make sure to get someone who has experience with pregnant women because they know how to address specific pregnancy needs. Pregnant women have areas of their body that are more sensitive due to the changes of pregnancy, so make sure to tell your massage therapist if in any way you feel uncomfortable.
Warning
There are pressure points on the ankles and wrists that when massaged in a certain way, they can stimulate the uterus and cause contraction in a woman that is at risk. These points are should be massage very lightly. If your have experienced contractions like Braxton-Hicks contractions let your massage therapist know, so that she can make sure to apply the correct pressure and avoid toching these pressure points. Also, if you have any medical condition like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or other, please talk to your health care provider prior to receiving a massage during pregnancy.
The following video gives you a great overview of massage during pregnancy:
The information on this Web Site is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is designed for educational purpose only.
Please always consult with a qualified health care professional.
