subject: Melt Away Your Stressful Day And Combat Pain With A Soothing Prenatal Massage [print this page] Pregnant women everywhere are enjoying the benefits of a prenatal massage to provide relief from the major changes that take place in their bodies as a result of the extra weight they have to carry. A prenatal massage can relieve symptoms associated with the added pressure being placed on your shoulders, neck, back and abdominal muscles.
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.
This is where a great massage therapist - trained in the techniques of prenatal massage - comes into the picture. Below are some of the advantages that pregnant women enjoy with prenatal massage therapy.
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.
In trimester #1, a prenatal massage will:
Headache relief;
Reduces incidences of morning sickness;
Relieves tiredness by increasing energy level.
Second Trimester:
Provide relief from backaches;
Sooth leg cramps.
Third Trimester:
Decrease swelling;
Relive pain from varicosities;
Provide a sounder night's sleep;
Reinforce the muscles in the pelvic area in preparation for the birthing process.
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.
