subject: Melt Away Your Stressful Day But Also Promote Well Being By Means Of An Invigorating Prenatal Massag [print this page] Before you consider including it in your pregnancy health routine, do some research to insure that the massage therapist you choose is trained in prenatal massage techniques, not just massage methods. A prenatal massage is effective because it involves the right amount of pressure ... using the right technique ... at the right stage in the pregnancy, so you need an expert.
A prenatal massage during pregnancy provides proven physical benefits to provide the relief you need, when you need it. Some ways a prenatal massage can help:
Provides a healthy alternative to reducing stress and promoting general well-being;
Relieves discomfort associated with backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, joint pain and edema (swelling of the joints);
Reduces nervous tension, helping promote a better night's sleep;
Increases immunity and removal of excess toxins;
Stabilizes hormonal levels and balances the glandular system which results in fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight;
Soothes inflamed nerves by reducing muscle tension and sciatic nerve pain;
Relieves the effects of depression and anxiety brought on by pregnancy.
As mentioned above, the person administering a prenatal massage must be trained to properly hone in on the area affected by pregnancy - at the right time - and combat the problem with the correct amount of pressure. This is not something that a regular massage therapist - without proper training - can do.
Here are a few of the symptoms a prenatal massage can relieve.
First Trimester:
Provide relief from frequent headaches;
Reduce the occurrences of morning sickness;
Fight the effects of fatigue.
Prenatal massage therapy in the second trimester helps:
Provide relief from backaches;
Sooth leg cramps.
A prenatal massage in the third trimester will:
Reduce swelling/edema;
Relieve pain from varicosities;
Enhance sleep;
Prepare pelvic muscles for birth 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.
