subject: Get Relief With A Prenatal Massage [print this page] We all know that the extra weight that pregnant woman have to carry creates major changes to their bodies ... prenatal massage therapy can help combat effects of the increased pressure on various parts of their body. This pressure can affect your back, shoulders, neck - and of course - the abdominal muscles. But pregnant women everywhere are singing the praises of prenatal massage therapy to provide relief.
Modern research has indicated that prenatal massage therapy can be very beneficial during pregnancy and should be considered a vital part of a prenatal health program. While most massage training institutions teach massage therapy for pregnant women, take the time to find a massage therapist who is certified in prenatal massage.
With programs especially designed for stages in the pregnancy cycle, a prenatal massage can relieve discomfort where you need it and when you need it. Let's take a look at some of the benefits of a prenatal massage.
* Prenatal massage is a healthy option to promote general well being while eliminating stress.
* Discomfort from stiff neck, leg cramps, backaches, headaches, pain in the joints can be reduced by prenatal massage therapy.
* Pregnant women will enjoy a better sleep pattern as a result of reduced tension.
* Prenatal massage therapy removes excess toxins from the body and increases immunity.
* It stabilizes a woman's hormonal levels resulting in fewer complications during the birth process.
* By reducing sciatic nerve pain and muscle tension, a prenatal massage soothes inflamed nerves.
* It can eliminate the depression and anxiety that pregnancy produces in some women.
A trained massage therapist knows how to use a prenatal massage to identify your sore spots and target those areas with just the right amount of pressure and technique. An experienced therapist recognizes and practices the right prenatal massage techniques at different stages of your pregnancy to relieve the ailments experienced during a particular trimester.
Listed below are some of the more common side effects of pregnancy and the trimester normally associated with each.
Benefits of a prenatal massage during the first trimester:
* Provide relief from frequent headaches;
* Reduce the occurrences of morning sickness;
* Fight the effects of fatigue.
Second Trimester:
* Reduce pain from backaches;
* Relieve pain associated with cramping in the legs.
Third Trimester:
* Reduces swelling;
* Eliminates pain caused by varicosities;
* Improves a woman's sleep pattern;
* Strengthens the pelvic muscles in preparation for giving birth.
During a prenatal massage, your therapist will ask that you lie on your side the later ask that you move into a reclining position to target the front of your body. During trimester #1, it's fine to lie on your back during your prenatal massage with one hip slightly elevated to reduce the strain placed on your pelvic and lower back areas. Most therapists will provide a specially-designed support pillow or a hollowed-out cushion (for your growing abdominal area) during the massage to assist with proper positioning.
If you have any concerns regarding the safety aspect of a prenatal massage for you or your baby, it's important that you have a conversation with your obstetrician before beginning any treatment. Women with normal (low-risk) pregnancies tout the benefits of the prenatal massage and the relief it provides; women with higher-risk pregnancies should definitely consult their doctor before beginning a prenatal massage program. If you experience any discomfort at any time during your prenatal massage, tell your massage therapist immediately.
