Everything You Need to Know About Pre-natal Massage
Pregnancy can be a tough ride, especially with backaches and cramps. Many women complain heartily of aching heels, sore muscles, and continuous fluid retention.
Pre-natal massage can be a one-stop solution for many pregnancy related issues such as stretch marks, pigmentation, anxiety, cramps, aches, and pains.
Pre-natal massages are an option you should consider if you are pregnant.
What is Pre-natal Massage?
Specifically designed for women who are pregnant. It deeply energizes you by improving the circulation in your body and muscles. Thus, works to reduce any strain on your joints and ligaments in order to help you experience an easy pregnancy.
Most importantly that you indulge in a massage only after getting it cleared from your gynecologist. Also, it is imperative that you get a massage done by a certified masseuse who is trained specifically in pre-natal massages.
Pre-natal massage is designed to allow your body to breathe free while flushing out the toxins. Your masseuse will take special care to make you comfortable and restful. Also, all pressure points shall be avoided in order to take care of your pregnancy.
Different Styles Can Be Used
As there are different techniques to regular massages, there can be different approaches used in this type of massage. If you are used to massages, then your therapist might use a Javanese technique in areas such as shoulders and necks. Many women prefer vigorous massage around their calf and feet using knuckles and pressure from fingers.
However, if you are new to getting massages, then it is important that you start with a gentle massage. Swedish pre-natal massage would be ideal for beginners as it uses delicate fluid-like motions to relieve stress and detoxify the system.
There are other types of massage techniques applied to this pre-natal massage. For instance, some expecting mothers get aromatherapy massages as they enjoy the fragrance of essential oils such as ylang-ylang to reinvigorate their senses. Many expecting mothers experience great benefits from reflexology therapy as well that targets neck, shoulders, hands and feet muscles.
Is Pre-natal Massage Different From Regular Massage?
Many women believe that pre-natal massage is the same as your typical massage. However, this could not be farther away from the truth. These massages are designed specifically to help a pregnant woman deal with her daily bodily changes and problems arising due to it.
During pre-natal massage, a therapist will take extra care of your body’s response. For instance, if you are suffering from morning sickness during your second trimester, then the therapist will take care not to use any rocking motion.
Additionally, your safety is paramount in these types of massages. Your therapist will ensure that you do not lie on your back as it might cause discomfort. You will be propped on your side with cushions to support you instead.
Is it Right For You?
It is important that you consult with your gynecologist before taking any major decisions regarding your body during pregnancy. Many doctors do not recommend getting massages during the first trimester.
It is imperative that you get in touch with your doctor regarding pre-natal massage if you are diabetic or have high blood pressure. Getting a clean chit is critical when you have severe morning sickness or have been diagnosed with preeclampsia. Many doctors advise massages during the second and third trimester. There are many reasons that make this type of massages ideal for you.
Improve Your Posture
Your posture can be severely affected while being pregnant because of added weight to your body. In such instances, getting a massage can greatly help your bearings and stance. Also, a bad posture can lead to many complications such as backaches, sciatica problems, and spinal injuries. By getting a therapist to address these areas regularly, you make sure that you do not develop a condition later.
Mental Reconnection
Being pregnant can be difficult as you grasp with the reality of another human living inside of you. A relaxing and rejuvenating massage can help you alleviate your stress and anxiety. You can feel safe and comforted in the hands of your therapists and allow your mind to reconnect with your body and soul.
You Time
Many women forget themselves in the course of working their job, managing their home and taking care of chores and kids. Generally, during the second pregnancy, a pregnant mother does not get any time for herself. In such situations, pre-natal massage can act as a much-needed time away from the stresses of life. You can gently unwind your body and free your mind of all stressful thoughts.
Some Things To Keep In Mind
It is important that you do not allow a therapist to put undue pressure on areas around your stomach and pelvis. Additionally, some pressure points can trigger a pregnancy. It is advised that you always visit a renowned, experienced and certified pre-natal masseuse in order to acquire complete benefits.
The Many Benefits
Apart from general relaxation and refreshment that a massage provides, there are many other benefits that a pregnant woman can acquire. It can aid in removing muscle tension, circulating blood, freeing fluid retention and alleviating muscle cramps. Here are some other benefits of getting a pre-natal massage.
Waste Elimination
During the second and third trimester, it might become difficult for you to continue with your exercise regime. This can cause a build-up of excess fluids and toxins in your body that otherwise would be removed by daily exercises. A massage can ensure that these waste products are eliminated from your body by stimulating the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Stress, anxiety, and pregnancy can cause your blood pressure to jump which can pose a threat to your pregnancy. It is important that your blood pressure is checked and kept normal at all times. A relaxing massage can help you lower your blood pressure and better control it. Regular massages can also reduce varicosities.
Regulates Hormones
Raging hormones often accompany pregnancy. With regular massages, you can prevent mood swings, anxiety, and depression from taking over. This type of massage helps in regulating your hormone levels by providing a calming effect. Additionally, a body massage can help release endorphins into your system. This automatically makes you feel good and happy on the inside.
Helps with Edema
If your legs and ankles are swollen while being pregnant, then the chances are that you are suffering from water retention and edema. A massage will help in circulating and processing excessive water through lymphatic drainage by removing it via your tissues. This helps in bringing down the swelling and also aids in making you feel less bloated.
Helps with Flexibility
During pregnancy, your body will make ligaments and muscles around your belly more flexible in order to make space for the growing baby. With pre-natal massages, you can ensure that further muscles in surrounding areas are relaxed and made more flexible. This facilitates the birth process and also reduces muscle cramps.
Prevents Insomnia
Pregnancy can be a big enemy to your beauty sleep. This puts you in a vicious circle due to loss of sleep might cause aches and cramps that will further affect your sleep pattern. This massage ensures that your body is relaxed while alleviating all aches and pains in your body. It also calms the mind by relaxing the nerves. This helps prevent insomnia and aids in a good sleep.
Makes You Feel Good About Yourself
Pregnancy can take a huge toll on your body. Even the strongest women succumb to loss of confidence and self-esteem because of their body image. Believe it or not, the touch of another human being working on your muscles and releasing toxins from your body can help you transform your body image. Touch therapy in a massage before pregnancy can be crucial to your well-being.
Reduces Headaches
Pregnancy can cause increased blood flow to your mucus membrane. This can make you experience severe sinusitis and headaches. A massage before the pregnancy can relieve these discomforts by stimulating the pressure points.
Relieves Constipation
Constipation is one of the biggest banes of pregnancy that an expectant mother faces. However, these massages can help this condition by stimulating the body systems. The correct massage technique can open all clogs inside your body causing constipation and other discomforts.
Nourishes the Fetus
Apart from providing multiple benefits to your health, getting pre-natal massage is also good for the developing baby. Regular massages can increase systemic blood circulation. This aids in stimulating an increase in oxygen and nutrients that reach the baby. You can expect the health of your unborn baby to improve by an increase in these nourishments to the fetal cells.
At the End Getting a massage is always a good idea as it not only helps in detoxification but
also alleviates any negative emotions. Apart from these benefits, this massage can be very advantageous to an expectant mother by way of reducing muscle tensions and removing any water accumulation. To feel the best in your body, soul, and mind, you should try a pre-natal massage. However, make sure to clear it with your gynecologist first.
