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Aims of Massage during
pregnancy
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Prior to pregnancy, especially helpful to
those who are finding it difficult to conceive.
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During pregnancy, often given in the
side-lying position instead of lying on one's stomach or back.
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During labor, for stress reduction and
muscle relaxation between contractions and/or support during
back labor.
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After delivery, postpartum massage
facilitates rehabilitation of abdominal muscles.
Benefits of Massage during
pregnancy
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Reduces strain on the muscles of the abdomen,
neck, shoulders, and lower back.
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Relieves some of the common discomforts of
pregnancy: nausea, fatigue, heartburn, headaches, backaches and
stresses of being pregnant.
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Helps a woman to accept the many physical
changes her body goes through while pregnant.
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Provides a quiet time to relax and reflect.
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Improves labor outcomes with reduced pain
perception and shorter labors by stimulating acupressure and
reflexology points.
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Relaxes and gives relief of muscle tension
brought about by contractions.
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Provides comfort, support and nurturing.
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Relieve pain in your muscles and joints that
must support extra weight.
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Increase flexibility, making it easier for
your body to adjust to additional weight.
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Relieve abdominal soreness caused by an active
baby's kicks.
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Ease constipation, gas and heartburn as
general relaxation stimulates intestinal movement.
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Reduce excess fluid retention by gently
pushing fluid into circulation where it can be eliminated.
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Slow the progress of varicose veins as
enhanced circulation lowers pressure on bulging veins.
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Relieve headaches caused by tension,
constipation, or buildup of metabolic.
Comfort
You will be comfortably supported with pillows or cushions during
your massage, and may even find yourself lying face-down for the
first time in a while. In later pregnancy you can get a complete
massage comfortably supported in a side-lying position. If lying
down is simply not comfortable, you can remain seated for a relaxing
partial massage.
Learning Self-Care Techniques
Besides the immediate relief you get from a massage, you may also
learn ways to make yourself more comfortable at home. You may find
ways to use pillows for support when you are lying down. Your
therapist might give you feedback on your posture or suggest
exercises and stretches to help you relieve tension. You might even
learn gentle breathing exercises to help you relax.
Coping with Stress
The tension caused by stress, along with the physical changes of
pregnancy, can sap your energy for coping day-to-day. A soothing
massage can relieve physical and emotional tension, help you sleep
better, and boost your energy.
Preparing for Labor
Massage can help you prepare for the birthing process in several
ways. Regular massage to the lower back, abdomen, and inner thighs
can release chronic tension in these areas for minimal resistance
during delivery.
Massage During Labor
Massage is part of the birthing process in virtually all tribal
cultures of the world. It can help you relax between contractions,
reduce pain from tight muscles and provide emotional support and
encouragement. Because stress interferes with the production of
labor-inducing hormones, there is even evidence that massage can
promote speedier birth.
Postpartum Massage
In the postpartum period, nature sets about undoing in eight
weeks what it took nine months to create. Though it may be
difficult, it is as important to care for yourself now as it was
during your pregnancy. Postpartum massage is to help restore your
body to its pre-pregnancy condition. In the postpartum period,
you may suffer from fatigue, soreness from overused birthing muscles.
Benefits of postpartum
massage:
If you have delivered vaginally, it is recommended to wait at least two weeks for a massage because after birth there will usually be a bloody discharge and possibly a passing of blood clots. Massage can stimulate blood flow, and this could increase the passing of blood.
If you have delivered by C-section, massage is fine as soon as you feel like being massaged. Usually 5-6 weeks postpartum, it would be comfortable for you to lie on your stomach again. If your incision has an infection, be sure to wait to get a massage until that has cleared up.
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Help in returning the body to the
pre-pregnancy state.
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Assists in restoring the abdominal muscle
wall.
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Reduces and alleviates muscle tension and
stress.
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Provides emotional support.
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Aids in the recovery of Cesarean delivery.
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