Pregnancy is a beautiful time of excitement, anticipation, and bonding with the life growing inside you. However, it can also take its toll on a woman’s body. Many women suffer from musculoskeletal discomfort, back pain, and even heartburn throughout their pregnancy. A few key steps, such as dietary changes, exercise, and massage therapy can help ease these symptoms.
One effective, safe, drug-free way of quieting aches and pains associated with pregnancy is to receive regular prenatal massage. This specialized form of therapeutic bodywork is designed for pregnant women and can offer many physiological, emotional, and psychological benefits.
When you receive a prenatal massage, your therapist will place pillows, bolsters or other supports for support. These are important for your comfort and the safety of your baby. The positioning of your body during a prenatal massage is crucial to avoid over-stressing the large blood vessels that supply the lower extremities. Traditionally, a full body massage is performed with the client lying on her stomach. Due to the size of the uterus, this is not recommended for most pregnant women because it places too much pressure on major blood vessels and can cause disruptions in the flow of nutrients which can lead to nausea.
The uterus is also known to compress the inferior vena cava, which is the vein that carries oxygenated blood from the legs up to the heart. The result is fluid buildup, a condition called edema. Massage is a great way to stimulate soft tissues and improve circulation which reduces edema and fluid retention in the legs, ankles, feet and hands.
Aside from relieving the aches and pains of the body, prenatal massage offers a number of emotional, psychological and mental benefits as well. Studies show that the calming effects of massage increase levels of hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, regular massage has been shown to reduce the incidence of depression and improve sleep quality.
Prenatal massages are also an excellent option for expecting mothers who struggle with insomnia. Research has shown that massage can significantly reduce the number of times a woman awakens during the night, thus improving her quality of sleep and allowing her to fall asleep faster at bedtime.
During a prenatal massage, the therapist uses gentle, low-pressure techniques. Deep tissue massage is generally not used, as it can put too much strain on the pregnant woman’s joints and muscles. Instead, a prenatal massage incorporates techniques such as Swedish, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy which help to relax the tight muscles that are causing pain. The therapist will use a special massage table that has a wedge to elevate the mother’s head. This position helps to take the weight off the inferior vena cava and help to improve circulation while providing the mother with a more comfortable position. If you need prenatal massage in Atlanta, visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.