The journey to motherhood is an exciting time, but it can also be exhausting. In addition to coping with physical changes, expectant mothers often struggle with emotional stress and anxiety, which can be exacerbated by sleep disturbances and uncomfortable symptoms such as leg cramps and back pain.
Fortunately, research dating two decades shows that prenatal massage is an effective means of reducing these discomforts. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who received regular prenatal massage experienced improved mood, reduced fatigue and lower rates of nausea and depression.
As a general rule, pregnant women can benefit from a massage as long as their doctor has given them the go-ahead. A good therapist will know what techniques to avoid and which areas of the body to steer clear of, so the patient does not experience any unnecessary pain or discomfort. Prenatal massages generally use long, gliding strokes and avoid deep pressure to prevent damage to the expecting mother’s delicate tissues.
In many cases, a massage can relieve common problems such as swelling (edema) and sore muscles. The increased blood volume associated with pregnancy puts strain on the circulatory system, which can result in fluid buildup and swollen legs (oedema). Prenatal massage enhances circulation by encouraging healthy fluid movement within tissues without putting excessive pressure on blood vessels. This can also help reduce the risk of complications such as thrombosis.
A trained therapist will also be able to identify and release trigger points, which are areas of tightness and muscle sensitivity. As an added benefit, regular prenatal massage can help improve the flexibility of the joints and soften the connective tissue.
Another benefit of prenatal massage is the potential to facilitate a smoother, safer delivery. By lowering stress levels and easing tension, massage can often shorten labor times and reduce the need for pain medication during childbirth. It can even reduce the likelihood of postpartum depression by promoting relaxation and helping women reconnect with their bodies after birth.
Finally, a prenatal massage can also improve sleep patterns by promoting relaxation and soothing tense muscles. Many pregnant women find that their insomnia becomes exacerbated during the second trimester, which can make it difficult to get a restful night’s sleep. This can have a negative impact on the health of both the mother and the infant. Massage can help to improve sleep by enhancing the flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, thereby improving the quality and duration of sleep.
While the benefits of prenatal massage are many, it is important to note that not everyone should receive this type of treatment. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, women with placental abnormalities — such as placenta previa or accreta — should not have a massage unless their obstetrician has approved it. For the majority of pregnant women, however, a prenatal massage is perfectly safe and can help to alleviate many of the uncomfortable side effects associated with pregnancy. If you need a prenatal massage therapy in Atlanta visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.
Leave a Reply