Massage During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful joyous time in each woman’s life. The emotional change she experiences offers the opportunity for personal growth and development. However, fear of the unknown can cause anxiety. Massage & Support are an important adjunct for the emotional and physical health care of a pregnant woman by helping to alleviate the stress and anxiety caused by pregnancy & childbirth.

Your entire body adapts to the new life growing within you. You also face important life changes at home or at work, with family or friends. You need and deserve support, especially since two people now depend on your health and vitality.

Massage is a wonderful way to relax, increase your energy, and relieve discomfort during your pregnancy. The caring touch of massage can help you experience your changing body in a positive, accepting way. Massage can also be something special for you at a time when so much of your attention is on the baby.

Aims of Massage during pregnancy

Prior to pregnancy, especially helpful to those who are finding it difficult to conceive.
During pregnancy, often given in the side–lying position instead of lying on one’s stomach or back.
During labor, for stress reduction and muscle relaxation between contractions and/or support during back labor.
After delivery, postpartum massage facilitates rehabilitation of abdominal muscles.

Benefits of Massage during pregnancy

Reduces strain on the muscles of the abdomen, neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Relieves some of the common discomforts of pregnancy – nausea, fatigue, heartburn, headaches, backaches and stresses of being pregnant.
Helps a woman to accept many physical changes her body goes through while pregnant.
Provides a quiet time to relax and reflect.
Improves labor outcomes with reduced pain perception and shorter labors by stimulating acupressure and reflexology points.
Relaxes and gives relief of muscle tension brought about by contractions.
Provides comfort, support and nurturing.
Relieve pain in your muscles and joints that must support extra weight.
Increase flexibility, making it easier for your body to adjust to additional weight.
Relieve abdominal soreness caused by an active baby’s kicks.
Ease constipation, gas and heartburn as general relaxation stimulates intestinal movement.
Reduce excess fluid retention by gently pushing fluid into circulation where it can be eliminated.
Slow the progress of varicose veins as enhanced circulation lowers pressure on bulging veins.
Relieve headaches caused by tension, constipation, or buildup of metabolic.