Why Pregnancy Massage?
Most people enjoy human touch. A touch can convey comfort, love, awareness and many other sensations.
It can also help alleviate aches and pains.
All of these are of benefit, especially when you are pregnant.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage include:
- Tranquil relaxation and reduce stress.
- Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips,
and legs.
- Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling.
- Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
- Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pain.
- Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.
- Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering.
Massage during pregnancy differs from a regular massage in a couple of ways. The biggest way it
differs is that the person receiving the massage is pregnant, and therefore knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant
woman are very important. This means that positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both the
mother and the baby she is carrying. There are also parts of the body that should not be massaged.
The room setting for a pregnancy massage is much like a typical massage, the room will have low
lightening, you will lie on a warm extra padded table. Soft music will be in the background to help you relax and drift off.
A questions I am often asked about massage is about the level of clothing one will wear. Many
moms choose to remove all of their clothing, though they are never uncovered, as they are always covered by the sheets. Some
choose to wear their underwear or their bra and underwear. Whatever you choose to wear or remove is completely up to you and
your comfort level.
Massage is beneficial for almost everyone. Even women carrying multiples babies can benefit greatly
from massage. There may be certain conditions that may or may not be related to the pregnancy that would preclude massage
or certain types of massage. This may include women at risk for preterm labor, women with blood clots or clotting disorders,
and other ailments. Massage done during the first trimester is generally up to the therapist, the woman and her practitioner.
Massage has never been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
