Pregnancy Massage: What To Expect
Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman’s body, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Pregnancy massage can help ease that discomfort, providing relief from muscle aches and joint pain. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, certified prenatal massage therapists are specifically trained to understand the physiology of pregnancy and the changes in a woman’s body during this time. They use various techniques to help relieve pain, discomfort, and stress associated with pregnancy.
Pregnancy massage is beneficial for both mother and child and can be an essential part of a woman’s prenatal care. Certified prenatal massage therapists are an integral part of the health care team and can provide support and relief during this special time.
Benefits Of Prenatal Massage?
Pregnancy is a joyous time for many women, but it can also be challenging. Pregnancy can cause a variety of aches and pains, from back pain to headaches. Thankfully, massage can help. Here are some benefits of Pregnancy Massage:
Relieves Pain
Back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, and carrying around extra weight can strain your back and hips. Massage can help to relieve pain by loosening tight muscles and increasing blood flow to the area. In addition, massage has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality, which can help reduce pain.
Improved Sleep Quality
Expectant mothers often have difficulty sleeping through the night. It can be attributed to several factors, including stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort. Massage therapy can help to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety levels. In addition, massage can help to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation. As a result, expectant mothers who receive regular massages may find it easier to drift off to sleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Depression and Anxiety Are Lower Now
Expectant mothers often experience a range of emotions, including depression and anxiety. These feelings can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and the stress of impending parenthood. However, it is essential to remember that these emotions are normal and that they will eventually subside. In the meantime, massage can help reduce both depression and anxiety by promoting relaxation and increasing serotonin levels, the “happy hormone.”
Improved Birth Outcome
Prenatal massage has been shown to improve the outcome of pregnancy and childbirth. Regular massages may decrease the risk of being born early or low birth weight in newborns. According to one research, babies who received frequent massages throughout their pregnancy had a decreased chance of being born prematurely and an increased chance of being born at normal birth weight. In addition, babies born to parents who got massages during pregnancy had a higher APGAR score, indicating better overall health.
Postpartum Depression Is Lower
After the baby is born, it’s not uncommon for mothers to experience emotions, including sadness, anxiety, and fatigue. If you’re struggling to cope with your emotions after giving birth, you can do a few things to make things easier on yourself. First, try to get as much rest as possible. It’s also essential to eat healthy meals and stay hydrated. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family. Remember, you’re not alone in this – many other women have gone through the same thing. With a bit of support, you’ll be back to feeling like yourself in no time.
Is Pregnancy Massage Dangerous?
Pregnancy massage is an excellent method to unwind and relieve pregnancy aches and pains. However, massage treatment should be avoided during certain parts of the pregnancy. During the first trimester, many massage therapists refuse to give pregnant massages. The reason is that miscarriage may occur.
No study has ever linked pregnancy massage to miscarriage, but some experts believe that it might. Because many miscarriages happen in the first trimester, some massage specialists and doctors advise against first-trimester massage for fear of legal liability. If you’re considering a pregnancy massage, discuss it with your doctor or midwife before making a decision.
Is It Okay For Your Baby?
Pregnancy massage is a great way to bond with your baby. You will be helping to relieve some of the aches and pains that come with pregnancy, but you’ll also be creating a special bond with your child. A Certified Prenatal massage therapist is trained to work with pregnant women in all stages of pregnancy, including the first trimester.
They can help to relieve back pain, headaches, and fatigue. In addition, prenatal massage can help to improve circulation and reduce stress. Massage is a great way to relax and bond with your baby. It’s a safe, natural way to relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy and create a special bond with your child.
When To Avoid Pregnancy Massage?
Pregnancy massage might be a wonderful approach to unwind and relieve the aches and pains of pregnancy. However, there are certain times when massage is not suggested or should be avoided until your doctor approves it. If you’re in your first trimester or have nausea, vomiting, or morning sickness, massage may not be right for you.
Deep tissue massage involves applying pressure to the deep layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is often used to relieve pain and tension in the muscles and improve circulation. However, during the first trimester of pregnancy, the uterine walls are thin and delicate, and deep tissue massage can cause them to rupture. As a result, it is best to avoid this type of massage during the first trimester. However, many types of massage can be safely performed during pregnancy, and a professional massage therapist will be able to tailor a treatment to your specific needs.
Final Thought
If you’re looking for a way to relax and bond with your baby, pregnancy massage is the perfect solution. Pregnancy massage has been shown to improve blood flow, relieve aches and pains, and promote relaxation. You will feel better after a session, but you’ll also be strengthening the bond between you and your child. If you’re interested in giving it a try, we highly recommend booking an appointment with us. Here in Moonlight at Naple, we offer various massage services that can help you relax and feel your best during pregnancy. Our team of prenatal therapists is specially trained to work with pregnant women and can help you customize a session that’s perfect for you.