What is a prenatal massage?

Prenatal massage is therapeutic bodywork that focuses on the special needs of an expectant mother as she undergoes numerous changes during the pregnancy.

It is done to enhance the function of muscles and joints, improve circulation and relieve physical and mental fatigue among other benefits.

Massage has for years been used to soothe sore muscles and provide calm and relaxed feeling, and this remains true even for expectant mothers.

As your body undergoes the many painful and at times stressful changes, you may want to consider a prenatal massage to ease your pain and reduce the discomfort.

Pregnancy can be a rough patch for some, draining all the joy, energy and pleasure.

During pregnancy, your uterus keeps expanding with the weight of the growing baby and puts excess pressure on your lower and upper back, neck, shoulders, and abdominal muscles.

This will often lead to aching backs, swollen legs, sore hips, and insomnia.

Getting a prenatal massage? Prenatal is an excellent way to help you cope with all these adjustments and ease your discomfort.

Safe prenatal massage

A prenatal massage is extremely helpful to your psychological, physiological and emotional health during pregnancy.

It is specifically designed to meet the physical and emotional needs of each pregnant woman.

However, it’s crucial to work with a professional whom you feel comfortable with, trust and someone who is qualified to the job.

Ensure that the practitioner has extensive experience practicing massage on pregnant women and has vast knowledge in the field.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, discuss your condition with your physician or midwife first before going ahead to have the prenatal massage.

Prenatal massage requires different techniques to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

The first thing is to ensure you are entirely comfortable lying on the massaging table.

Your therapist should have special pillows and tables designed for doing this kind of body work.

Positioning during pregnancy massages is critical for comfort.

Your therapist should be proficient in their massage technique and positioning depending on where you are in your pregnancy.

By the second trimester, all massages should be done while lying in a side position, propped up with pillows to keep pressure off the vena cava unless when your therapist uses a body support system designed for prenatal massages.

By learning the correct positioning and massaging techniques, you can get a massage from your partner while at home.

Benefits of prenatal massages

Enhances blood circulation

Effective massage therapy sessions enhance blood circulation by providing more oxygen and nutrients to both the mother and the baby.

The nutrients the baby receives will help determine the physical and medical conditions later in life.

Good blood circulation also promotes cell growth, enables the organs to function better and improves the health and appearance of the skin.

Understanding the relevance of good blood circulation during pregnancy will make you want to reserve a prenatal massage.

It reduces anxiety and stress

A prenatal massage reduces the release of stress hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol and increases the release of dopamine and serotonin hormones that help to reduce depression.

The changes in hormonal levels lead to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications.

Stabilization of hormones

Most women will experience mood swing of acute nature during their pregnancy as their hormones fluctuate unpredictably.

A prenatal massage can be an effective way to help you avoid feeling cranky and stay calm during the pregnancy period.

Calms the nervous system

Research has shown that prenatal massage stimulates the nervous system to release hormones and chemicals that give the desired physical response in our bodies to achieve a homeostasis balance.

Prenatal massage therapy gives a relaxation feeling, and sleep becomes better helping you enjoy your pregnancy.

Alleviation of common pregnancy ailments

As the body continues to grow every day, the body assumes a new shape. This new body shape affects body postures and puts extra pressure on certain body parts resulting in pain in hips, back, neck, shoulders, and excess muscle tension.

This therapeutic massage plays a vital role in easing swellings, cramps and relieving muscle tensions.

Soft tissues are stimulated to reduce the collection of fluids in swollen joints helping to improve the removal of tissue waste carried by the body’s lymph system.

Easier labor and delivery

Women who receive regular prenatal massage have a greater chance of having a less painful and shorter labor during delivery.

Every pregnant mother wishes for a less complicated pregnancy that results in a healthy baby.

With the many benefits of prenatal massages, you are set to enjoy every moment while carrying your pregnancy with great pleasure.