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