| Every pregnancy comes complete with aches and | | | | expectant mothers to relax and feel a sense of |
| pains. It's not a welcome inclusion but it is a | | | | calm. They also report feeling comforted and |
| non-negotiable part of the deal. Prenatal massage | | | | healthy during what is a period of emotional and |
| can be of enormous benefit to expectant | | | | physical stress. |
| mothers. We will discuss here the top benefits, | | | | Pre-natal massage can be applied in different |
| some precautions one should consider, and some | | | | ways. The pregnant patient should lie on her side |
| of the methods used when applying pre-natal | | | | and the therapist is trained to modify the |
| massage therapy. | | | | massage techniques to adapt to this position. |
| Muscular tensions, aching back, neck and | | | | Lying flat on back is not recommended as it |
| shoulders, headaches, pooling of blood in the legs, | | | | reduces blood circulation to both mother and child. |
| and all other manner of physical discomforts and | | | | The mother-to-be can lay on her back with the |
| pains occur due to the inevitable increase in | | | | body in an elevated position by using pillows to |
| weight, the resulting shifting of posture and centre | | | | support the mother's body. Body pillows can also |
| of gravity, and changing hormone levels. | | | | be used for side lying positions as well. |
| Prenatal massages aim to alleviate aches and | | | | There is a specially designed pillow now available |
| pains, improve circulation, reduce muscular | | | | to assist when massaging expecting mothers in a |
| tensions and help to ease other pregnancy related | | | | face down position. This pillow has a deep centre |
| symptoms. An additional benefit is an | | | | cut-out which allows the mother to lie flat on her |
| improvement in the expectant mother's emotional | | | | belly and feel comfortable and relaxed. |
| moods and mental attitude. | | | | After giving birth, new mothers experience a |
| A full body massage including attention to the | | | | kaleidoscope of physical and emotional stresses, |
| head including the scalp and face area, as well as | | | | commonly including sleep deprivation. Prenatal |
| the feet and hands provides relief from tensions | | | | massage can aid the birthing process, and then |
| and is found to be extremely soothing and | | | | continuing with postnatal massage can be highly |
| nurturing. All areas should of course be massaged | | | | beneficial and therapeutic by assisting the new |
| gently, with appropriate levels of pressure applied. | | | | mother's body to return to its former state. |
| An experienced prenatal massage therapist can | | | | Pre-natal massage is generally considered safe for |
| choose methods which are effective and safe | | | | expecting mothers, although it is always advisable |
| that provide much needed comfort and | | | | to consult with your doctor before beginning a |
| pampering. | | | | program. There are some precautions. If you |
| Prenatal massage offers numerous benefits of a | | | | have diabetes or high blood pressure, prenatal |
| broad range. The top benefits of pre-natal | | | | massage is not advised. You should certainly tell |
| massage are: | | | | your therapist if you have had, or are having any |
| - Reduction of fatigue | | | | complications or problems with your pregnancy. |
| - Increased circulation | | | | Prenatal massage may be from 10 minutes to an |
| - Improved digestion | | | | hour depending on your available time and your |
| - Reduced swelling in the hands, feet and lower | | | | level of comfort. If the massage brings |
| legs | | | | discomfort, you may like to have shorter |
| - Fewer calf cramps | | | | sessions more often. If the massage causes no |
| - Lessens the severity of backaches, headaches, | | | | abnormal discomfort, then once per week during |
| shoulder and neck aches | | | | the 2nd trimester and twice per week or more |
| - Reduced pain in the pelvic/hip area | | | | during the 3rd trimester is ideal. |
| - Alleviates stress on weight bearing joints | | | | If considering prenatal massage therapy to assist |
| including the lower back, knees and ankles | | | | with a pleasant and positive pregnancy and birth, |
| - Improves sleep and decreases insomnia | | | | consult you doctor or pre-natal massage specialist |
| - Promotes deep breathing and relaxation | | | | and begin. The therapy has enjoyed long and wide |
| - Reduces stress hormones | | | | spread use and offers many therapeutic benefits |
| - Assists in maintaining correct posture | | | | to the pregnant mother to be, and ultimately to |
| Prenatal massage therapy during pregnancy can | | | | her child as well. |
| also be greatly beneficial emotionally as it allows | | | | |