Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman’s life. During the average 40 weeks of pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes tremendous changes. Her hormone levels rise, and her uterus expands to almost 20 times it’s usual pre-pregnancy size. Blood volume doubles during pregnancy, and ligaments in the body loosen. As the baby grows inside the womb, the mom-to-be will experience a changing center of gravity, putting extra strain on back, gluteal, and thigh muscles. During the last few months of pregnancy, women often complain of being extremely uncomfortable due to the increased weight she is carrying around and the shifting center of gravity. Because of the constant strain being put on the muscles during pregnancy, a prenatal massage is often just what the expectant mom needs to help alleviate the discomforts of the final trimester. A pregnancy massage could also be a great baby shower gift to get the mom-to-be.
The American Pregnancy Association has done extensive studies on pregnancy massage, and has shown amazing benefits in women who undergo massage therapy during pregnancy. Women who get massages every two weeks during pregnancy show lowered levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and higher levels of dopamine. These lowered stress hormones and increased dopamine levels help to keep the pregnancy free from depression and complications due to stress. It has shown that stress can cause preterm labor, thus lowering stress hormones reduces the risk of preterm labor in many women. It is also useful in reducing swelling in many women by helping to increase circulation and cleansing the lymphatic system. Overall, massage during pregnancy has also shown to reduce complications during labor and delivery, and babies born to moms who have experienced regular pregnancy massages have been shown to be healthier.
Pregnancy massage is not something which should be entered into lightly, however. It is important to find a massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage. While most massage therapists have to learn about massaging pregnant women, there are therapists who specialize specifically in pregnancy massage. It is also important to consult with your prenatal caregiver prior to being massaged during pregnancy, as there may be reason to avoid it altogether.
The Advantages Of Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy Massage Guide
While the benefits of prenatal massage have certainly been established, there are some precautions to take. Massage during the first trimester is strongly discouraged due to the higher risk of miscarriage. When you do find a certified massage therapist who specializes in pregnancy massage, it is important to discuss what position you will be in during the massage. The American Pregnancy Association recommends a side-lying position, as laying on your back is discouraged after 20 weeks, and special tables with holes for a growing belly can still put pressure on the abdomen and strain uterine ligaments. If you have an increased risk of preterm labor, or if you experience a significant number of Braxton Hicks contractions, prenatal massage is also discouraged as certain pressure points can increase pelvic and uterine contractions in many women.
Discuss with your massage therapist what your goal of pregnancy massage is. If your aim is to reduce aches and pains associated with pregnancy, you will do well with a therapist who can safely target problem areas like the lower back and certain parts of the legs. Use care when having your legs massaged, as again it can begin uterine contractions if performed improperly. If your goal is to simply relax and get a mood booster, a massage therapist who can create a relaxing and serene environment will be highly beneficial to you.
Pregnancy massage is a wonderful treat for a mom-to-be. It offers extensive emotional, mental, and physical benefits to pregnant women. It has been shown to significantly reduce cortisol levels in women, which decreases the risk of preterm labor. It has also showed to increase levels of dopamine in a woman’s brain, which is a feel-good hormone. Low levels of dopamine have been linked to depression in pregnancy, thus raising the levels reduces incidents of depression among pregnant women. Prenatal massage has also shown to increase circulation, which leads to less swelling in women who are prone to retain fluid, as well as relieve the aches and pains associated with a changing center of gravity and increased weight. Overall, the American Pregnancy Association encourages moms to engage in massage during pregnancy unless there are specific medical conditions which are contraindicated.
