Prenatal massage focuses on the unique needs of a pregnant woman and can be instrumental in contributing to the well being of a pregnant woman. Massage therapy is safe during all three trimesters of pregnancy.
Studies have shown that massage during prignancy can relieve muscle pain in areas of tension during pregnancy like the mid and lower back, reduce joint pain, decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, relieve mental and physical fatigue, improve labour outcomes and affect the health of a newborn. Massage can give comforting relief by relaxing the muscles, improving circulation, improving lymphatic flow, and affect the hormonal balance during pregnancy.
Great demand is placed on the circulatory system during pregnancy with blood volume increasing up to 60 percent. Massage improves the blood circulation providing more oxygen and nutrients to the mother and fetus and increases blood flow to the uterus and placenta. It eases the load on the heart and helps normaloze blood pressure. Issues of swelling during pregnancy can be improved by stimulating the soft tissue to reduce fluid in swollen joints and by removing tissue waste through the lymph system.
Massage therapy helps maintain good posture that can be compromised with the increased weight of the baby. It also assists in relieving Sciatic nerve and Sacroiliac pain common in pregnancy by releasing tension on the surrounding muscles. Massage helps relieve muscular discomfort commonly experineced during pregnancy like low back, upper back and neck pain, headaches, muscle spasms and leg cramps.
Regular massage during pregnancy stabilizes hormone levels by addressing the discomforts commonly associated with hormonal shifts. Studies in the last 10 years have revealed that massage can significntly alter the hormone levels linked with relaxation and stress, thus affecting mood regulation and improved coardiovascular health when regularly used in a woman's prenatal care. It reduces the hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol associated with stress and increases the hormonal levels of dopamine and serotonin associated with a feeling of well being. The improved hormone levels and sedating effect on the nervous system can reduce complications during delivery and in that of the newborn baby.
The direct benefits of massage during pregnancy through he nurturing touch of a registered massage therapist can improve physical and emotional well being, contribute to better sleep and a happier, healthier mom and baby.
At Medi-Massage we have the added benefit of specially designed pregnancy cushions used on the massage table allowing the expectant mom to lie on her stomach for comfortable positioning throughout the pregnancy.
Precautions: If there is any question whether massage is right for you during your pregnancy consult your prenatal care provider. These may include issues of blood clots, varicose veins, hypertension, preeclampsia or high-risk pregnancy.
Inform your massage therapist of any issues or concerns you may have so you can work together to create a wonderful expeience.
