Prenatal Massage
By Free Massage Therapists Listing
Prenatal Massage is massage during pregnancy that focuses on the special needs of the mother to help her adapt to the ever-changing body. Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. The skeletal structure of the pregnant woman must support an increasing amount of weight, her organs must shift to accommodate the baby, and there are significant emotional and psychological changes that occur as well.
A masseuse trained in prenatal massage can manipulate the affected muscles to increase comfort, and the release of endorphins associated with massage can ease some of the emotional effects of the pregnancy. Swedish massage is the recommended prenatal massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.
There are various other symptoms of pregnancy that can also be alleviated by massage. Edema is the swelling of the joints during pregnancy. This edema is usually caused by reduced circulation due the increased pressure from the expanding uterus on the major blood vessels. Massage can stimulate the soft tissues to help reduce the collection of fluid in the joints as well as induce more circulation in the area to assist in removal of waste products through the lymph system. The late stages of pregnancy can induce sciatic pain due to the uterus resting on the pelvic floor and lower back. This pressure tends to lead to discomfort in the upper and lower legs causing swelling which puts pressure on the nerves. Massage can help reduce this nerve pressure by releasing tension in surrounding muscles.
With any type of therapy or treatment during pregnancy, always consult your physician to make sure that your pregnancy is progressing properly. Massage is generally not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. Due to the increased risk of miscarriage and the pressure points on the feet and ankles that can stimulate uterine contractions, it is recommended to wait until the second trimester to begin receiving massage. Body positioning is a big factor in prenatal massage. Most massage therapist consider side-lying massage to be the best option. There are tables that have holes in the center to allow the pregnant woman to lay prone on the table. These types of tables can still apply pressure to the pregnant belly and also can stretch the uterine ligaments due to the hanging of the stomach through the table. Contact the massage therapist to see what position they utilize during the prenatal massage so that you can make a decision based on your preferences. The benefits of massage can greatly benefit the pregnant woman. As always, consult your physician before adding massage as a therapeutic addition to your prenatal care.
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