Pregnancy brings with it a variety of side effects, some less pleasant than others. All pregnant women can expect to experience at least a little stiffness and muscular tension during their pregnancy as their uterus expands to accommodate their growing baby. Fortunately there is a simple and effective way to not only treat some of the side effects of pregnancy but also leave you feeling great. Massage therapy during pregnancy can often relieve many of the common side effects of pregnancy, whether you suffer from backaches, headaches, edema or other pregnancy related problems. Pregnancy is a tumultuous period for a woman’s mind and body. Any woman who has been pregnant can sympathize with the mental and physical fatigue associated with being pregnant. Not only does a woman experience physical changes, she also experiences mental changes as well. Massage has been known to calm many of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy such as sciatica, swelling, back & neck pain, and stomach upset. Prenatal massage has also been shown to improve physical discomforts by encouraging circulation and by stretching the muscles and joints to their full range of motion to improve skin elasticity and body tone. Studies show that pregnant women who receive regular prenatal massages are more at ease - furthermore relaxing the fetus inside their womb.
Back pain is one of the more common side effects of pregnancy. Back pain can continue throughout pregnancy and even after, if you have to carry around other small children you may find your symptoms exasperated during pregnancy. Fortunately massage can help relieve the symptoms of back pain associated with muscular tension, it is a popular complimentary therapy, when choices for pain relief such as medication, are often limited.
Here are just a few of the other benefits prenatal massage has to offer:
Toward the end of your pregnancy you might consider a prenatal massage to relax you during labour or even help strengthen your contractions! Before signing up for a massage you might check in with your healthcare provider to be sure your doctor approves massage in your condition.  Aromatherapy
Some massage therapists use aromatherapy oils during a massage session. While many aromatherapy oils are safe to use during pregnancy, others are contraindicated. Some women find essential oils off-putting, particularly during their first trimester. If this is the case just let your massage therapist know ahead of time so you can enjoy a fragrance free massage therapy session!
There are some essential oils that are beneficial during pregnancy. Many can help relieve anxiety and tension while still others are useful for relieving bloating and headaches. Here is a list of essential oils that may be helpful during pregnancy:
Other essential oils including the following should be avoided during pregnancy for their contraction stimulating properties:
This list is by no means comprehensive. If you have any concerns or doubts stick to a massage session without the use of massage oils. Either way you're bound to find the experience relaxing and stress relieving!
During labour, a massage has been shown to do wonders for the mother-in-waiting. A massage can be given to a woman in labour as she lies on her side, in a reclined position, or on her belly with the use of a pregnancy pillow. Women have often asked for soft music to be played in the background during their labour in order to create a peaceful setting for birth, and to soothe their nerves and pain during labour.
Is prenatal massage beneficial for the baby? A: Absolutely! Studies have shown that, when you receive a relaxing prenatal massage, the body naturally secretes endorphins. These "feel good" hormones traverse the placenta and ultimately soothe and relax your baby.
Sometimes the skin on my belly feels so tight. Is it safe to have it massaged? A: With proper technique and pressure levels, absolutely. Most therapists will not massage abdomens in the first trimester. It is completely safe, as your uterus is still the size of a plum and protected by the bony structure of the pelvis. However, due to the high incident of miscarriage in the first trimester it is usually avoided as it can tend to cause some anxiety, and the object of the massage is to reduce stress. After 12 weeks it is your option to request massage on your belly. This promotes skin elasticity and circulation to the general area. Especially in the third trimester, this can be akin to baby's first massage and can feel very bonding for mother and baby
How soon can I come back after the baby is born? A: Massages can be done as soon as one hour after the birth of the baby, and it seems to make a real difference in postpartum recovery. It is nice to be able to help as soon as possible, but realistically there are issues surrounding the logistics of childcare and feeding times. Home visits for those first few weeks make it much easier for you - even though the massage is a break for the new mother, we understand you may need to be interrupted. Women who have had a Caesarean-section usually need to wait a few weeks and bring written approval from their physician. The same cushioning system used during pregnancy allows much more comfortable massage while you are breastfeeding.
A Body Support System is available for use during massage treatments, to provide comfort during all stages of pregnancy
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Pregnancy Massage |
