Massage during pregnancy has gained a lot of popularity within the recent years. Originally, it tended to be limited to groups of women who favored alternative therapies. But now it is seen as a valid and useful tool to reduce general discomfort.
Expecting a baby is a joyful time, but it can also place a great strain on the women’s body, both physically and mentally. Several research studies suggest that pregnancy massage may help to
* Encourage relaxation and reduce anxiety
* Reduce high blood pressure and stretch marks
* Help alleviate muscle and joint pain
* Improve breathing, digestion and sleep
* Improve mom and baby’s health by reducing the negative impacts of stress such as gestational hypertension, prematurity and low birth weight
* Help mom feel more at ease and in touch with herself and her baby
* Contribute to easier, shorter labors
* And it feels so good!
Further research, shows that pregnant women massaged twice weekly for 5 weeks experienced less anxiety, leg and back pain. They reported better sleep and improved moods, and their labors had fewer complications, including less premature births. Studies also show that when women received nurturing touch during later pregnancy they touch their babies more frequently and lovingly. During labor the presence of a doula, a woman providing physical and emotional support, including extensive touching and massage, reduces the length of labor and number of complications, interventions, medications, and Cesareans.
How is it performed?
The Prenatal massage therapy uses techniques designed specifically to address pregnancy challenges. It is based on the principles behind Swedish massage techniques, and lymphatic drainage. These techniques in particular help with reducing muscle tensions and improving blood flow. If you're suffering from tired feet or water retention, Lymphatic Drainage during pregnancy can be very supportive. This gentle technique help to encourage the flow and release of excess fluid held within the tissues just below the skin.
To get the most benefits unique to the pregnancy, the session will be well planned, to address the specific symptoms and to reach the clients goal. The therapist are essentially working with two people simultaneously, with the beautiful miracle of a women carrying another human inside her. The importance of touch and mindfulness is one of the keys for the client to feel safe and educated. The treatment proved is a holistic, whole-body experience focusing on the overall health and wellbeing of the pregnant woman.
Whether you are suffering from aches or pains, have fluid retention or just want some much deserved chill out time, please get in touch and we will guide you in the right direction for optimal health.
I am located at Health Space Mona Vale & Potts Point clinics. Ph: 9979 8887 to make your appointment.
Footnotes:
Rosenblatt, J.S. and D.S. Lehrman. Maternal behavior of the laboratory rat. Maternal Behavior in Mammals, Wiley, New York, 1963, p. 14.
Field, T.m M. Hernandez-Reif, S. Hart, H. Theakston, S. Schanberg, and C. Kuhn. Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. J. Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 20(1), March, 1999, 31-8.
Osbourne, C. Body Therapy Education. Massage Therapy for pregnant woman. Retrieved 2017.
