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Prenatal
Massage
Soothing touch for prenatal health and comfort
By
Jane C. Morrison, LMT
As
a mother of three and a licensed massage therapist who has practiced
and taught prenatal and infant massage, I understand the unique
physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy. While
this is a time of joy and expectation, it also can mean new aches
and pains with each passing month. Fortunately for expectant mothers,
prenatal massage offers welcome relief from those discomforts as
well as reducing stress and anxiety.
Prenatal
massage is a fast-growing field that is gaining the interest of
labor and delivery nurses, midwives and obstetricians. It has achieved
popularity as we search for alternative approaches to traditional
healthcare services.
Prenatal
massage shares many of the same objectives as regular massage -
enhancing the function of muscles and joints, improving circulation
and relieving emotional stress and fatigue. The difference is that
prenatal massage specifically targets pregnancy related symptoms.
Benefits
of Prenatal Massage
A woman’s
body goes through tremendous changes during pregnancy. The rapid
weight gain causes changes in her posture and center of gravity.
As the abdomen grows the curve of the lower back increases and the
knees rotate outward. These changes put additional strain on the
muscles of the lower back and hips and cause pain.
Prenatal
massage from an experienced professional offers a wide range of
benefits, which include:
- Eases
backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck aches that may be caused
by muscle tension and shifts in posture to accommodate increasing
weight
-
Decreases pain in pelvic/hip area
-
Increases circulation
-
Reduces fatigue
-
Improves skin elasticity that can help reduce stretch marks
-
Helps reduce swelling in such places as hands, lower legs and
feet
-
Can alleviate the stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees,
which are impacted by the extra weight of a growing baby
-
Promotes relaxation and deep breathing
In
addition to the fact that massage during pregnancy just plain feels
terrific, some of the most powerful effects come with the relief
it brings from depression, anxiety and stress caused by pregnancy’s
hormonal changes.
Benefits
for baby too
As
a woman shares her body with her developing child, she can also
share the benefits prenatal massage brings to the body, mind and
spirit.
Massage
can help release stress hormones that build up in the body, keeping
you tense and fatigued. This can help prevent complications associated
with pregnancy. Taking time to get pampered can be emotionally uplifting
and a relaxing massage allows pregnant women to unwind and feel
healthy and comforted during a period of added physical and emotional
stress. All of this helps nurture the baby as well as the mother.
Some
women choose to incorporate elements of massage during childbirth
to cope with delivery and it can be a therapeutic treatment after
pregnancy as the body returns to its normal state. New moms are
also learning how to bring the benefits of touch therapy to their
children through infant massage.
Is
it safe?
Massage
during pregnancy is usually safe, but all expectant mothers should
check with their doctors prior to getting a massage. Because of
the tremendous physical and hormonal changes that occur, prenatal
massage is not recommended until after the first trimester. The
second and third trimesters are excellent times to begin prenatal
massage.
A properly
supported side-lying position or use of a special “Prego Pillow”
are the safest ways to receive prenatal massage because pregnant
women should not spend extended periods of time on lying on their
backs. Reflexology treatments should also only be given by therapist
trained in that art because of the hormonal changes of pregnancy.
It
is important that you share information about your condition and
your personal preferences with your massage therapist before you
begin. The therapist will adjust your massage to make it as soothing
and beneficial as possible based on your individual needs. A skilled
massage therapist will welcome questions and can offer a great deal
of assistance and information during pregnancy.
How
often should you receive a massage?
The
frequency of the massages is up to the mother, depending on the
level of discomfort and what they can afford. Typically, anywhere
between once a week and once a month will provide relief from the
recurring aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Many therapist
offer package discounts and a training session for the labor coach.
Find
an experienced professional
The
massage therapist may be seeing a pregnant client more often than
the obstetrician or midwife does and they become an integral part
of the entire prenatal health care team. This makes it critical
to find a licensed massage therapist experienced in prenatal massage.
If you already have a favorite massage therapist, ask whether they’ve
been trained in prenatal massage. If not, get recommendations from
your doctor, friends or family.
A knowledgeable
massage therapist should be a rich source of information about a
safe and healthy pregnancy as well as a relief from the aches and
pains that typically come with it.
Don't
suffer any longer. We are here to help you in any way that we can.
If you still have questions we will be glad to answer them. Give
us a call, or Email us. |
