While some women feel great throughout their entire pregnancy, others may experience discomfort. Prenatal massage offers physiological, emotional, and psychological benefits. For the pregnant patient, massage can relieve mental and physical fatigue, improve circulation and blood flow, as well as the function of sore or stiff joints and muscles.
Some symptoms that may be experienced during pregnancy include muscle cramps, fatigue, nausea, back pain, swollen feet, and heartburn. There are several steps one can take to relieve their discomfort. Eating nutrient dense foods, gentle movement such as walking and yoga, and massage can all make pregnancy much more pleasant. A prenatal massage is similar to a Swedish massage, except for a few modifications with body positioning to ensure the safety and comfort for both patient and baby. This non-invasive and gentle form of therapeutic bodywork can also ease the discomforts of pregnancy while helping you get ready for labor and delivery.
Prenatal massage offers benefits throughout the entire pregnancy including:
Lessen edema and reduced swelling
Your feet, legs, and hands may start swelling during pregnancy due to reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels. Massage can help stimulate the soft tissue, move extra fluid, and reduce swelling, leaving you feeling more comfortable.
Reduce hip/lower back pain, sciatica, leg cramps, muscle spasms
Pregnancy massage improves lower back pain, including sciatic nerve pain by addressing the tight muscles in the affected area. Prenatal massage increases blood flow and helps release tension brought on naturally by pregnancy.
Improve sleep
Getting good quality sleep becomes harder as your pregnancy progresses. Prenatal massage relaxes the nervous system and releases feel good hormones. This will leave you more relaxed and allow you sleep better.
Prepare your body for labor and birth by reducing stress on the joints and muscles
Prenatal massages can lead to an easier delivery because it can reduce your overall stress level but also keep your muscles toned and relaxed in advance of the start of labor.
Natural pain relief
Prenatal massage offers a natural, safe, drug-free alternative for pain relief. This is beneficial since the use of medications is limited during pregnancy for safety reasons. The increased blood flow to your tissues and the relaxation your body will experience during and after a session can significantly alleviate many of the common discomforts of pregnancy. There is also evidence that receiving prenatal massage regularly throughout pregnancy can shorten delivery times and make labor more comfortable, possibly reducing the need for epidurals and other pain medications.
Support circulation and blood flow for both mother and baby
Relieve hormone-induced anxiety and depression
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, a prenatal massage may benefit you! Reach out to our office today to book an appointment and find relief from any discomfort you may have.
*As always, please have a discussion with your prenatal care provider about your health before seeking out massage therapy.
