Pregnancy is a beautiful time, filled with excitement, anticipation, and so many other happy emotions. However, it’s also a period of significant change for your body. As you grow a baby inside you, there are many internal pressures on the rest of your body. Your organs have to work harder than usual to support this new person who will be relying on them for nutrients and shelter for the next 9 months. In addition to all the other changes that come with being pregnant, you also usually experience some sort of back pain or discomfort as your spine has to bear even more weight and pressure. Prenatal massage can help alleviate many of these issues by reducing stress and anxiety while stimulating blood flow in your body and assisting with circulation in places like your pelvis which may be feeling very cramped right now. Let’s examine why a prenatal massage is so important for a healthy pregnancy.
What is a Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage can be described as a session of light to medium touch therapy performed on your growing belly and surrounding areas. The pressure that is applied is light enough that it should not cause any discomfort to your baby but firm enough so that it can penetrate into your muscles. A prenatal massage can be done on your lower back, upper back, and even the sides of your torso. Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy and the strength of the masseuse, you may also have your legs and feet (including the ankles) massaged. Prenatal massage is also sometimes called prenatal reflexology since certain pressure points on your feet correspond with organs and areas in your pelvis.
Why is Prenatal Massage Important?
There are many reasons why a prenatal massage is important for a healthy pregnancy, and it can be done as soon as you discover that you are pregnant. It can help you feel more relaxed and have better sleep, help with back pain, reduce swelling in your feet, and ease muscle tension. In addition, prenatal massage can encourage the flow and movement of blood, which can help your body to function more smoothly. This can be very helpful in the later stages of pregnancy when your organs have to work harder to supply nutrients to the growing baby inside you. Massages can help relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can be common in pregnancy. Increased blood flow can be helpful in the later stages of pregnancy when there may be some degree of swelling, especially in your pelvic area.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
– Relaxation: Pregnancy can be stressful, and massages can help you to relax and feel more at ease. They are also a great way to manage anxiety, which can be common in pregnancy. – Improves Circulation: Better circulation in your body means that your organs can function more smoothly. This is especially important in the later stages of pregnancy when your organs are working harder to supply the baby with nutrients. – Helps with Back Pain: As your belly and uterus grow, you may experience back pain, especially as you get further along in your pregnancy. Massages can help ease this pain, improve your posture, and make you feel more comfortable.
What to Expect from a Prenatal Massage?
The first part of the session is usually done with your abdomen covered with a warm towel or cloth. This can help you relax and is recommended for women who are very early in their pregnancy. After this, your masseuse will apply gentle pressure to your back, legs, and feet. Prenatal massages can be as short as 30 minutes or up to an hour. You can expect your masseuse to use a combination of techniques including long strokes, circular motions, and pressing or tapping on certain points on your body. Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, they may also lightly apply pressure to your abdomen. You can find therapists and contact for a prenatal massage near me.
Tips for Finding a Good Masseur/ Masseuse
You want to ensure that whoever you choose to do your prenatal massage has proper training and certification. If they are not a doctor or midwife, they should at least be certified in providing prenatal massages. If you are looking for someone to do a prenatal massage at your home, make sure that they have the requisite insurance. This is particularly important if you are very far along in your pregnancy. When you are shopping for a prenatal massage, make sure to ask about the person’s experience and credentials. You should also feel comfortable with the person. It’s okay to interview a few people if you’re unsure who to pick!
Conclusion
Prenatal massage has many benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. It can help you relax and feel more at ease during your pregnancy. It can also help with back pain, swelling in your feet, headaches, and other common pregnancy symptoms. Prenatal massage can be done as soon as you discover that you are pregnant and can continue throughout your pregnancy. It is safe to be massaged at any stage of pregnancy and poses no risk to your baby. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive and you do a lot of computer work or other sedentary activities that can lead to a lot of strain on your joints and muscles, prenatal massage can be a great way to reduce some of that stress and strain on your body.
