|
Pregnancy Massage |
| |
 Pregnancy
can be a joyous time for a mother-to-be. However, the changes in
a woman’s body and natural fears and anxiety can also be very
stressful, both physically and emotionally.
Massage
has a profound ability to decrease stress as well as prevent or
minimize many of the common symptoms and discomforts of
pregnancy. Regular massage therapy sessions can mean the
difference between a comfortable, relaxed pregnancy and one
defined by miserable aches and pains. |
| |
 Massage
is especially useful because pregnant women are often unable to
take many medications that are normally used to manage common
problems. Massage can help manage these aches and pains and is
completely safe for both the mother and fetus.
According
to a recent study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic
Obstetrics and Gynecology, the benefits extend beyond just
making mom feel good. Researchers found that for women who
received regular massage, there were fewer complications both
during pregnancy and afterwards, including fewer premature
births. |
| |
|
How can massage
help? |
| |
| Massage
can have a beneficial impact on a whole range of problems
associated with pregnancy, not just muscle aches.
|
| |
| Morning
sickness is the nausea and vomiting that many women experience
early in the pregnancy. Although it is called morning sickness,
it can occur any time during the day or night. As with many
other problems, hormones are largely to blame. However, stress
also appears to play a very significant role. By using regular
massage to relax, the incidence of nausea and vomiting can
actually be reduced.
|
| |
|
 Hormones
can also cause constipation as they cause the muscles of the
digestive tract to relax. Gentle massage to the abdomen can help
relieve constipation by activating a reflex that stimulates
movement in the intestines. Massage therapists can also use
rocking and passive range of motion techniques to get things
moving. Deeper abdominal massage that is often used to relieve
constipation in non-pregnant clients is never used, so there is
no risk to the fetus.
Headaches are another common problem in pregnancy. A non-drug
approach is by far the best way to treat them. Massage has been
proven to be extremely useful in dealing with headaches and
should be considered the preferred treatment choice. Research
shows that headaches become shorter and less frequent with
regular massage. |
| |
| In
the second trimester more pronounced physical changes take
place. As the abdomen and breasts grow larger, a woman’s
posture starts to change. Typically most women develop an
increased curve in their low back or sway back to compensate for
the extra weight at the front of their bodies. It’s no
surprise that about half of all pregnant women develop back
pain. |
| |
| Massage
can help through this period by minimizing muscle imbalances,
relaxing tense muscles and improving their blood flow. A massage
therapist can help minimize episodes of back pain by developing
a simple home exercise program to stretch and strengthen various
muscles.
|
| |
|
 Another
distressing problem that massage can assist is swelling in the
ankles and hands. It’s common. About 75% of all pregnant women
will experience ankle swelling during pregnancy. The increased
fluid in the hands can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful
wrist condition. Massage has proven to be extremely effective in
relieving this type of swelling as the broad sweeping massage
movements help push the fluid out of the limbs.
Massage therapists are flexible in their approach and can do
massage to the back, legs and gluteals even when it is no longer
possible to lie face down. By about month four or five in the
pregnancy, your therapist will likely have you lie on your side
for the massage (as shown in the illustration). |
| |
| Lying
on the back is usually fine until late in the third trimester.
Throughout your pregnancy your massage therapist will always
ensure that you are safe and comfortable. |
| |
|
During and after
labor |
| |
|
Massage
is invaluable through a woman’s pregnancy. It can be equally
beneficial both through childbirth and afterwards.
|
| |
| Labor
is tough on a woman’s body. It’s painful, exhausting and
stressful. Massage can be a wonderful way of helping the mother
through the process. |
| |
 Massage
helps the muscles relax between contractions, reduces pain and
anxiety, increases self-assurance and also demonstrates loving
encouragement and support. Your massage therapist may be willing
to be present for support throughout labor. At the very least,
they can teach the woman’s partner or support team a variety
of simple, effective techniques that can be used to give the
mother some relief and support. |
| |
| After
the birth, the focus falls on the newborn. Unfortunately, in all
the excitement, the new mother’s needs are often forgotten.
However, this is a time when she could probably use massage the
most. The massage can help greatly with her recovery process.
For a number of weeks immediately after a vaginal birth, regular
abdominal massage will help the uterus contract and shrink back
to a normal size. It will relieve muscle aches and pains as well
as help the woman deal with her fatigue. |
| |
|
Mild
depression is common after birth. About 60% of new mothers
experience what is referred to as “postpartum blues”.
Massage can have a positive impact on a woman’s emotional
state and is a great way to lift her spirits.
|
| |
| So
if you are expecting a child or have recently become a new mom,
make sure to get some regular massage. Your body will thank you.
If you know someone who is pregnant, think of giving her a gift
certificate for massage. It will be needed and
appreciated. |
| |
| Although
everyone’s attention is on the mother and baby, it’s
important to remember that the new father could use massage too.
New roles and responsibilities can produce a fair amount of
stress and anxiety. Without a doubt the father will appreciate
the opportunity to unwind and relax. |
| |
