Massage & Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a wonderful and joyous time in a woman’s life. Fertility is often an invigorating reminder of the sustainability of life and family. However, pregnancy also induces many unwanted symptoms for the woman, such as fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, muscle tension, emotional sensitivity, and bloating.
According to the American Pregnancy Organization, swelling of the joints during pregnancy is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids and improve circulation.
Being pregnant also takes several tolls on the woman’s emotional wellbeing. Swedish Massage has been shown to reduce anxiety and decrease symptoms of depression that can accompany pregnancy. Muscle aches, fatigue, and joint pains that a woman experiences can also be managed by the same massage technique. In addition, massage can also improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Since the newborn’s health is often dependent on the health and immunity of the mother, it is important to take extra care when pregnant to ensure the best health and immunity for the newborn.
After birth, massage can provide unique postpartum benefits whichinclude hormone regulation, reduced swelling, better sleep, and improved breastfeeding. More advanced therapy helps restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition, speeds healing and assists with C-Section Recovery. Since massage improves circulation, maintaining healthy blood and oxygen flow to the C-section site can aide in the healing of the surgical wound.
With any major health change, one should be conscious of the choices that they make and the steps they must take to continue taking care of the body and mind. Every woman is different, so it is important to communicate openly with your certified prenatal massage therapist to adjust care to your specific needs.