Understanding the Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage hands-on massage performed during pregnancy. Typically, a prenatal massage lasts about one hour. Certain massage therapists use the pregnant massage table. The table is built to accommodate a pregnant woman’s belly. Others use bolsters, which are specifically constructed pillows that allow ladies to sleep peacefully on their sides. It will be beneficial, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. During pregnancy, lying on your side is usually the most comfortable posture.
Prenatal massage therapy in Calgary is beneficial to expectant moms because it addresses the anatomical changes during pregnancy. A lady must lie face-down on her stomach for half of the typical massage, which is impossible to perform when carrying a baby in the tummy.
And you spend half of your time looking up, which puts strain on the major blood veins, obstructing blood flow to the baby and making you feel queasy. However, when your form and posture change throughout pregnancy, the experienced massage therapist will make appropriate changes.
How can prenatal massage help you during pregnancy?
It will Regulate Hormones
In prenatal care, studies over the last ten years have demonstrated that hormone levels connected to stress and relaxation are significantly affected when receiving massage treatment. It will help women’s emotional control and cardiovascular health. Hormones including cortisol and norepinephrine were reduced, while serotonin and dopamine levels were increased in women who had bi-weekly massages for only five weeks.
Such drastic hormone levels may result in fewer problems during labour and delivery and fewer infant issues. It is also incredibly advantageous for both the mother and the infant, according to evidence.
Reduces Nerve Pain
Many women have sciatic nerve discomfort because the uterus presses on the pelvic floor and lower back muscles in late pregnancy. The uterus’s pressure exerts strain on the powers of the upper and lower leg. It can make them enlarge, putting pressure on surrounding nerves.
Massage treatment can help to relieve stress on adjacent muscles, which can help to reduce irritated nerves. After having prenatal massage treatment, many pregnant women have reported a considerable improvement in sciatic nerve discomfort during their pregnancy.
Alleviates Swelling
During pregnancy, swelling of the joints, also known as edema, is common due to poor circulation and increased strain on the principal blood arteries produced by the uterus’s weight. Prenatal massage will assist in activating soft tissues and reduce fluid retention in swollen joints. It can aid in the clearance of tissue waste pushed through the body’s lymphatic system.
Better Sleep
As your pregnancy develops, getting a decent night’s sleep becomes more difficult. Prenatal massage will calm your nervous system and produce dopamine and serotonin, all of which can make you feel wonderful. This will make you feel more energized and allow you to have a better night’s sleep.
Prepares the Body for Labour and Birth
Prenatal massage might benefit you in having a pain-free and smooth birth. It might help you relax and refresh your muscles before giving birth by reducing your overall tension. According to research, prenatal massage women had shorter hospital stays, shorter labors, and less postnatal depression.
Other non-significant benefits of prenatal massage therapy.
– Reduced edema.
– Back pain reduction.
– Improved circulation.
– Improves oxygenation.
– Lowered anxiety.
– Joint pain reduction.
When to Avoid the Prenatal Massage During the Pregnancy?
Increased blood volume to support the growing baby, more effective clotting to prevent bleeding, and higher pressure on the veins that travel to the legs as the baby grows are just a few important changes to blood flow and circulation in a pregnant woman’s body immediately after pregnancy. Blood clots will form during pregnancy and the early postpartum period due to these changes.
Blood clots can form everywhere in the body, but deep vein thrombosis in the groin and calf are the most prevalent during pregnancy. When a blood clot enters the lungs, a pulmonary embolism happens. Untreated blood clots during pregnancy can be fatal.
If you have the following complications, you should be cautious;
– Problems with the placenta.
– Risk of preterm labor
– Clotting disorder or blood clots.
– High blood pressure or preeclampsia.
Techniques that prenatal massage therapy might employ during the prenatal massage.
– Massage therapists will stroke and press deep into your muscles during a deep tissue massage.
– Shiatsu, in which the massage therapist applies pressure and taps on the acupressure spots on your body to promote its inherent energy.
– Swedish massage, in which the therapist strokes lengthy muscles and concentrates on joint movement.
Before you visit a physiotherapy clinic for prenatal massage, you should consult with your doctor.
