Prenatal Massage
A new mother is a beautiful sight, and bringing a baby into this world is a joyous occasion. But while so much focus is placed on the newest bundle of joy, it is important for mommy to take also care of her mental and physical well-being.
Pregnancy massage is a great way for a mother-to-be to spend some time focusing on her needs. A relaxing, gentle massage will help improve her mood, realign her posture, and aid in stress and tension relief. Compression, stretching, effleurage, a little cross-fiber friction, and some much needed TLC will have her stepping off the table a renewed, refreshed, and invigorated woman.
The Effects of Pregnancy on a Woman
Outward appearance changes are the most noticeable effects others see on a pregnant woman. However the transformations a mother endures are not only physical but emotional, chemical, and psychological as well. It is important to understand each of these so as to provide the expectant mother with the most care possible.
Musculo-Skeletal System
With the weight of the child pressing the woman’s belly further outward, her posture adjusts to accommodate. Pulling on the low back to the front causes a strain on the shoulders and neck, leading to headaches. A tightened chest due to an upward push on the diaphragm causes shortness of breath. A pelvic tilt occurs as the baby grows, causing a pull on the quadriceps, hamstrings, knees, calves and shins. Swollen ankles and feet due to edema make walking, an important daily activity, uncomfortable.
Endocrine System
Different hormones in the body are increased during pregnancy to aid in the birthing process. Relaxin is a hormone that relaxes the ligaments all across the body for birthing. Oxytocin is a pituitary hormone that stimulates uterine contractions, softens the cervix, and controls bleeding after the baby is born. If a mother, during her pregnancy, is greatly affected by stress, tension and anxiety, this affects the body’s fight or flight response. As a result, these hormones are not secreted as much, which impacts how the mother relaxes her body before and during her baby’s birth.
Circulatory System
During the first trimester alone, a woman’s blood volume count increases 30-50%. The red blood cell count increases at a slower rate, however, which may cause her to appear anemic. Often her doctor will prescribe iron supplements to help “balance” these changes, but more often than not this will lead to constipation in the mother. The heart will also increase in size to match her raised blood volume, as well as move to the left, causing a chain reaction in her body. The shifted heart applies femoral venous pressure, resulting in increased force of the uterus on the pelvic veins, which is the leading cause in edema in the lower extremities.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Through an approximate 9 months of trials and tribulations, why shouldn’t the mother-to-be treat herself to a little rest and relaxation? These benefits of specialized massage therapy are meant to help both Mommy and baby feel more at ease in both mind and body.
- Relieves strain caused by postural imbalances and muscular tension
- Removes pressure on joints, ligaments, and tendons
- Opens up the chest cavity and eases tautness in the tendons of the diaphragmto aid in better breathing
- Eliminates fatigue brought on by weight gain, mood swings, and hormonal changes
- Massage brings a sense of calming and relaxation to the body, boosting the immune system and helping the labor-promoting hormones
- Improves circulation and red blood cell count
- Lessens edema in the lower legs
- A tender, sensitive touch encourages a positive, loving feeling within the mother, reinforcing a similar touch between mother and baby.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Through an approximate 9 months of trials and tribulations, why shouldn’t the mother-to-be treat herself to a little rest and relaxation? These benefits of specialized massage therapy are meant to help both Mommy and baby feel more at ease in both mind and body.
- Relieves strain caused by postural imbalances and muscular tension
- Removes pressure on joints, ligaments, and tendons
- Opens up the chest cavity and eases tautness in the tendons of the diaphragmto aid in better breathing
- Eliminates fatigue brought on by weight gain, mood swings, and hormonal changes
- Massage brings a sense of calming and relaxation to the body, boosting the immune system and helping the labor-promoting hormones
- Improves circulation and red blood cell count
- Lessens edema in the lower legs
- A tender, sensitive touch encourages a positive, loving feeling within the mother, reinforcing a similar touch between mother and baby.
Contraindications for Pregnancy Massage
As with general massage, there are certain conditions that do not permit massage either overall or to certain parts of the body, especially with a pregnant woman. Complications include:
- First trimester pregnancy
- Bloody discharge
- Persistent and severe headaches
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Systemic edema
- Chill and/or fever over 100 degrees
- Continual abdominal pains
- Sudden gush of water
- Very frequent burning urination
- Increased and unusual thirst with reduced urination
- Blurring of vision or spots
If you have any other complications not listed above, feel free to contact the massage therapist before coming in. It is very important each client obtains a note from her doctor before coming in for a massage. The therapist reserves the right to turn away any patient who comes into the office exhibiting these or any signs that are deemed unfit for a massage, or if the client does not have a doctor’s note. This is primarily to ensure the safety of the mother and future baby, as the core of any massage therapist’s creed is to Do No Harm.