Pregnancy is a time when major changes take place in a woman’s body. The uterus is growing and expanding, which can cause lax joints and muscles to shorten.
Massage during pregnancy stimulates soft tissue, helps with circulation, and reduces fluid build-up around joints. It is important that a massage therapist has training in prenatal massage and receives the green light from your doctor.
Muscle Relaxation
Pregnancy massage is a variation of regular massage to address the tense muscles that come with being pregnant. It is designed to reduce tension and re-energize the body. Many women are plagued with joint pain, back pain, and leg cramping, which are all caused by overstretched muscles and poor circulation. During the first trimester, many of these symptoms are alleviated as the uterus grows and puts pressure on major blood vessels.
Regular pregnancy massage has also been shown to balance hormones that increase during pregnancy, resulting in lower stress levels and improved mood. Before you book a prenatal massage near me, In one study, women who received pregnancy massage twice weekly for five weeks had significantly lower cortisol levels and were more relaxed than a control group that did not receive the same treatment. This can lead to less anxiety, fewer complications during labor, and shorter, healthier babies.
Although there are a variety of benefits to pregnancy massage, it is important for the expectant mother to communicate with her practitioner what areas she would like to focus on and what level of pressure feels comfortable. Some areas, such as the legs, should be avoided because vigorous massage may dislodge blood clots that could be dangerous for both mom and baby. A good therapist will know these areas and be able to adjust the amount of pressure to suit the client.
Increased Circulation
Pregnancy massage can stimulate the soft tissues that surround the major blood vessels in the legs, feet, and hands. Swelling caused by reduced circulation to these areas can be addressed through massage, which also improves the body’s ability to remove tissue waste and toxins.
In addition to reducing muscle tension, prenatal massage has been shown to help regulate the key hormones that control stress, relaxation, and mood. As a result, expectant mothers experience fewer mood swings and are less likely to suffer from anxiety or prenatal depression. In some cases, regular massage can lower the chances of low birth weight in newborns and reduce complications during delivery.
As a general rule, massage is safe during most stages of pregnancy, as long as the client gets a green light from her practitioner and avoids lying on her stomach for too long. Many practitioners have experience in providing pregnancy massage and will be able to assess whether the woman’s condition is safe for a massage and to adjust the pressure applied accordingly.
Prenatal massage isn’t usually recommended for the first trimester, as it can increase the risk of miscarriage by putting strain on the uterus and ligaments. However, once a woman enters the second trimester, regular massage can help relieve the pain and discomfort accompanying this stage of pregnancy. Some women find relief from back, hip, and neck pain and even sciatica during this time.
Pain Relief
Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement but it can also be challenging for the body. The most common complaint is back pain, which massage can relieve, especially in the first trimester. Massage can alleviate the pressure on the joints caused by the extra weight of the uterus and relieve muscle tension. It can help reduce headaches and improve neck pain, which is often exacerbated by the baby’s position in the shoulders. It can also ease sciatic nerve pain, which is caused by the compression of the nerves in the legs due to the enlarged pelvis.
A prenatal massage can also help reduce swelling in the feet, hands, and ankles. This is a result of reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels from the heavy uterus. Massage stimulates the soft tissue, increases circulation, and reduces the accumulation of fluids in the joints.
Studies have shown that regular massage during pregnancy can make the perineum more elastic, which may decrease the need for an episiotomy during delivery and can shorten labor by up to three hours. However, it is important to talk to your OB/GYN before getting a prenatal massage. Massage is generally considered safe during the second trimester after the risk of miscarriage has passed. Women who have a history of deep vein thrombosis or clots, as well as those with gestational diabetes mellitus, should avoid massage in the early stages of pregnancy.
Better Sleep
Pregnancy is exciting, but it can also be very tiring. A regular massage can balance hormones, decreasing depression and anxiety – which is also good for babies! Research shows that moms who regularly get massages have shorter labors, and their babies are less likely to be premature or underweight.
Prenatal massage is a gentle form of bodywork adapted to address the unique needs of pregnant women. Generally, massage therapists will steer clear of areas such as the legs, as vigorous leg massage can dislodge a blood clot and lead to a dangerous condition called deep vein thrombosis. Instead, the legs will be massaged gently to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Sciatic nerve pain and piriformis syndrome are common issues during pregnancy that can be eased with massage, along with lower back pain and carpal tunnel. Pregnancy massage increases blood flow, relieves tension, and helps you relax, which in turn can help you sleep better.
In addition to pain relief, massage can also decrease your levels of cortisol and increase your serotonin – both hormones that are crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal massage also helps your immune system and can even help you bond with your baby. Studies show that mothers who get regular massages tend to have happier, more well-balanced babies! And who doesn’t want that?!?
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