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Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
by: Richard A. Lane
Pregnancy provides unique physical and emotional changes in women that results from the increased weight, shifting centre of gravity, changing posture and gait and the huge hormonal adjustments. As a result mums-to-be can face a whole raft of physical conditions such as back pain, sciatic discomfort, headaches, swollen legs and ankles. When coupled with hormonal variations, nausea and emotional stress then attention is required.
Prenatal massage from a qualified and experienced massage therapist aims to alleviate these and other pregnancy-related conditions.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Massage is considered to have many health benefits including stimulating blood flow and the lymphatic system, improving flexibility to muscles and enhancing the mobility of joints. As pregnancy progresses, then the body adjusts to a changing centre of gravity caused by the baby's increasing weight. The change in posture puts increased strain on the legs, hips and back. Massage improves the flexibility and functionality of the muscles, which assists the woman to carry the extra weight along with some of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.
The claimed benefits of pregnancy include:
- reduced stress through relaxation and pain relief
- maintenance/awareness of good posture
- relief of muscular tension and spasms (in particular in the hips, legs, back and neck)
- reduction of stress on weight-bearing joints.
- assistance in pain relief for any sciatic pain that frequently arises during pregnancy
- reduced oedema in hands and feet
- medication free headache relief
- improved energy levels and reduced fatigue
Even just taking time out for oneself during pregnancy can be emotionally rewarding, particularly if there is emotional support through the nurturing touch of the therapist.
Studies from the Touch Research Institute have indicated that pregnancy massage provides more than just physical relief for the mum-to-be. A group of pregnant women were provided with either massage or relaxation therapy during a five-week study. The researchers found that massage group had fewer complications during labour and delivery. In addition, they also had a reduction in stress, improved sleep quality and less back pain than the relaxation therapy group.
Massage Cautions
Massage is normally safe during pregnancy for most women. However if the women is experiencing any of the following conditions or symptoms then massage is contraindicated.
- any discharge of blood or water
- contagious illness/fever/vomiting
- pre-eclampsia
- high blood pressure
- abdominal pain
- blood clotting disorders
This list is not considered to be complete. If you have any concerns about having a massage during pregnancy then you should contact your health care professional. Indeed some massage therapists will not perform pregnancy massage without the approval of their doctor and others will not massage during the first trimester.
In choosing your prenatal massage therapist then please make sure that they are suitably trained and experienced. Just because a therapists offers pregnancy massage in their brochure or website does not mean that they have the necessary training and skills. Some therapists use pregnancy massage tables that have a hole for the belly, however these are generally not recommended by experienced prenatal massage therapists as the lack of support causes additional muscle strain on the belly and stress on the lower back
It is important to provide all relevant information about your condition to the therapist during pre-massage discussion. The massage therapist can then adjust your pregnancy massage to make the rewarding and relieving experience you deserve.
About The Author
Richard Lane is a remedial and sports massage therapist in Sydney's Inner West, http://www.innerwestmassage.com.au. He provides website resources for Sydney Remedial Massage Therapists, http://www.remedialmassagesydney.com.au, and an Australian massage directory, http://www.remedial-massage.com.au
Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage
by: Sharon Hopkins
Pregnancy is one of the most special times in a woman’s life. The feeling of carrying another living being in your womb is a very unique experience. It is also a time of physical and emotional transformation for the woman. The hormones released by the pituitary gland, placenta and ovaries lead to a variety of physical and emotional changes. These physical changes include an increase in the basal metabolic rate, breathing rate and blood volume. Also, as the body prepares itself to support a new life, additional strain is placed on the abdominal muscles, internal organs, back, legs and the weight-bearing joints. These hormonal fluctuations also cause emotional mood swings that range from joyous exuberance to intense sadness. Symptoms such as nausea, constipation, urinary frequency, gastric reflux, varicose veins, edema, lower back pain and general fatigue are also common during this period.
To ease this transition, many health professionals recommend massage therapy as a complement to prenatal care. Prenatal pregnancy massage is designed to alleviate many of the common physical discomforts of pregnancy and provide emotional support.
How does Prenatal Pregnancy Massage work?
Prenatal pregnancy massage aims to alleviate the discomforts experienced during pregnancy through skilled touch and communication. This soft and gentle massage therapy soothes tired, achy muscles and joints. The massage is combined with a series of passive manipulations to increase the range of motion and lubricate the joints internally. The therapist also teaches the patient methods of correcting the postural imbalances that occur as a result of the pregnancy. Prenatal pregnancy massage also helps the patient to identify, isolate and strengthen the muscles that she will use during labor.
Prenatal pregnancy massage is usually started during the second trimester of the pregnancy. Before commencing the massage therapy sessions, the therapist will teach you some gentle exercises to improve your posture and strengthen your muscles. He or she will also teach you techniques of diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation. The actual massage is carried out in a series of gliding strokes with the application of a light, soothing oil.
Benefits of Prenatal Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal pregnancy massage reduces the discomforts associated with pregnancy and enhances the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. It alleviates many of the conditions associated with pregnancy such as sciatica, back and neck pain, and stomach disorders. Prenatal pregnancy massage also promotes better functioning of muscles and joints, improves circulation and overall body tone. It also decreases mental and physical fatigue. Studies have shown that pregnant women who receive regular prenatal massages are more at ease than those who don’t.
Precautions for Prenatal Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal pregnancy massage therapy is not meant to be a substitute for thorough prenatal care. Before starting a course of prenatal pregnancy massage therapy, do consult your obstetrician. You must also ensure that your massage therapist is properly certified to carry out prenatal pregnancy massage. The massage should be stopped if you experience symptoms such as an increase in abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, heavy discharge of blood or water or high blood pressure.
About The Author
Sharon Hopkins, Webmaster for http://www.massagehealththerapy.com, your online guide to Massages introduces you to Prenatal Pregnancy Massage for pregnant mothers. She also writes on Yoga, Hair-n-Skin Care, Aromatherapy and other health topics.