| Pains and aches are part and parcel of every | | | | emotionally as it allows soon to be moms to |
| pregnancy. Physical discomfort, muscular tensions, | | | | unwind, feel calm, healthy and comforted during |
| headaches, backaches, pains occur due to | | | | the period of physical and emotional stress. |
| increase in weight, shifting posture and hormone | | | | Prenatal massage can be done in different ways. |
| levels. Pre natal massages aim to improve | | | | Expectant moms mostly lie on their sides. A |
| circulation, alleviate aches and pains, eases | | | | newly designed pillow especially for expecting |
| muscular tensions and other pregnancy related | | | | mothers is available. This pillow has deep center |
| symptoms, perking up expectant mother's mood | | | | cutout enabling the moms to lie flat on their bellies |
| and mental attitude. | | | | making them relaxed and comfortable. Lying flat |
| Stress related areas which demand attention are | | | | on back reduces circulation of blood to the |
| back, neck and shoulder. Massaging the legs | | | | mother and child; pillows are used to keep the |
| reduces blood pooling and full body massage to | | | | mother's body in elevated position. Body pillows |
| the head/scalp, feet, hands and face area | | | | are used for side lying positions too. |
| provides relief from tensions and aches. All the | | | | After delivery, new moms are under all kind of |
| areas should be massaged gently and pressure | | | | emotional and physical stress, especially sleep |
| should be applied when needed. | | | | deprivation. Post partum massage is therapeutic, |
| Experienced masseurs pick ways that are safe | | | | helping the body to return to its normal state by |
| and effective and provide special pampering and | | | | adjusting to the physical and emotional demands |
| comfort. Prenatal massage offers encompasses a | | | | of their little one. |
| broad range of benefits such as - Increases | | | | Massage is usually safe for most mothers, though |
| circulation - Improves digestion - Reduces fatigue | | | | it is advisable to check with your doctor prior to |
| - Reduces swelling in hands and lower legs, fewer | | | | getting one. If you have high BP or diabetes, |
| calf cramps - Eases backaches, headaches, | | | | prenatal massage is not recommended. It is ideal |
| shoulder and neck aches caused due to muscular | | | | that you tell your therapist if you any problems |
| tension and postures to accommodate the | | | | or complications with your pregnancy. Duration of |
| increasing weight. - Lessens pain in the pelvic/hip | | | | the massage can be anywhere from 10 minutes |
| area - Alleviates stress on weight bearing joints | | | | to one hour. It depends on how much discomfort |
| such as knees, ankle and lower back - Promotes | | | | you are experiencing and how much time you |
| relaxation and deep breathing - Reduces stress | | | | have on hand. Massage once a week during 2nd |
| hormones - Decreased insomnia - Helps in | | | | trimester and twice a week or more during 3rd |
| maintaining proper posture | | | | trimester are ideal. |
| Prenatal massage during pregnancy is beneficial | | | | |