The Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Woman Receiving a CranioSacral Massage

Pregnancy brings a considerable amount of changes to a woman's body. It lasts for approximately nine months and is divided into three trimesters; each bringing its own different set of changes and experiences. What types of changes occur to the body during pregnancy?

During the first trimester there are a series of hormonal imbalances, which can result in breast tenderness, morning sickness, fatigue, irritability, headaches, and indigestion. The second trimester, on the other hand, is the easiest phase of pregnancy. 

Though oestrogen and progesterone hormones are lowered, morning sickness and fatigue have generally subsided after the first 12 weeks. It is also a time when the uterus and the pelvis begin to expand, and the abdomen gets bigger.

The third trimester is usually the most difficult phase of pregnancy. Women take on significant weight as the baby gets bigger, which can lead to numerous discomforts, especially with the back and the belly.

Pregnancy may be the hardest physical change any woman goes through, especially for first-time mothers. It is, therefore, important that women get enough support to help them with each stage of pregnancy. There are various types of prenatal aid, and one of them is prenatal massages.

What is Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal massage is a holistic and therapeutic approach to help mothers-to-be with their special needs, especially when their body goes through different dramatic changes. It offers gentle massages that focus on providing better circulation, improved mental and physical health, and relieving pain from sore muscles and joints. It can also be an emotional and psychological support during times with hormonal imbalances are at high.

Prenatal massage is normally given to pregnant women during their first and second trimester. You can never be too pregnant to have a massage, though. Even if you are closer to your due date, with your physician's approval, the massage could still help you calm your mind and prepare your body for delivery.  However, it is important that you only ask for help from legitimate centers because miscarriage can occur if the massages are not handled properly, especially during the first and third trimester.

How is Prenatal Massage Done?

A prenatal massage is handled with extreme care because there are not only one, but two lives that need to be given full attention. After careful assessments, *Our therapists* will customize the therapy according to how many weeks a woman is pregnant, as there are some massage techniques that may not be suitable for every trimester.

The session is normally done on a special table where there are hallowed-out areas to accommodate swollen breasts and soft pillows and wedges to support the belly. Unlike other massages, prenatal massage normally avoids asking their patients to lie face down, keeping the mother in a position that is safe and comfortable for both her and the baby. Semi-reclined positions or lying on the side are the best positions to avoid stressing the back and the abdomen.

Prenatal massage uses more stroking techniques than applying pressure. The massage therapist focuses more on the back than the abdomen. Also, there are numerous pressure points that need to be avoided, such as the feet, the lower back, hands, and the wrists to ensure complete safety for the fetus.  

Once on the side-lying position, the therapists will work at their patient's comfort level, providing low-pressured single strokes on the back, legs, and arms. A patient may be asked to shift onto her side, with pillows supporting the abdomen and the back, keeping the bottom leg straight, while the top leg is slightly bent and supported by a pillow.

Although a therapist usually avoids the abdomen, patients may find it soothing and relaxing if this area is massaged. Gentle strokes can be applied, avoiding the heart and just below the stomach. However, if the patient is not comfortable -- at any time -- she has the right to decline a therapeutic massage in these areas.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage has been recognized for its many benefits. It does not only relieve aches, pains and tension, but additionally provides physical and emotional comfort. It has also been proven to improve blood circulation, which can eliminate risks of preeclampsia, blood clots, edema, and fatigue.

Massage can also improve digestion and skin elasticity. It can stimulate the soft tissues and muscles, providing more oxygen while eliminating stretch marks, dryness, and itchiness in the belly. Prenatal massages can also decrease swelling, especially around the pelvic area, lower back, neck, the hands, and lower legs.

It can also stabilize mood swings by producing two "happy hormones," serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin can help fight stress, while melatonin can provide a good night's sleep. Prenatal massages can also help with weight-bearing stress on the back, ribs, and the knees. Lastly, it can help induce a faster labor. Studies show that expectant mothers who went through prenatal massages delivered their babies in as few as 3 to 4 hours.

Taking the time to consult with your physician and therapist on holistic approaches to prenatal therapy is a rewarding decision. Prenatal massage can help in many ways, eradicating the physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy, so you can focus on the joy and excitement of being a new mother. 

Eugene Wood LMT
http://www.eugenewoodmassage.com