Why get a pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with mothers-to-be. Regular massage during your pregnancy and postpartum weeks can relieve your physical symptoms and help you cope with stress. There are women who live very busy lives, who work full time or have other children and sometimes receiving pregnancy massage is the only time they have to really focus on themselves and their babies.

This is a wonderful complimentary therapy during pregnancy when choices for pain relief such as medication are often limited. It not only relieves the physical aches and pains but also affects the hormone levels within the body. Research over the past 10 years has shown the hormones released from stress and pain during pregnancy can impact on the baby. Pregnancy massage can help maintain a calm, healthy and relaxed mother-to-be who then benefits the baby as well.

Research evidence suggests after receiving weekly massages for only five weeks, womens stress hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol were reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression) were increased. This points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when pregnancy massage is incorporated into your regular prenatal care. The postpartum weeks are also beneficial to relieve your physical symptoms and help you cope with new stress.

How is it different from regular massage?

Pregnancy massage is different where the massage therapist must specialize in the anatomy of a pregnant woman and be aware of the stages of pregnancy. There are different areas of the body which can be treated and certain areas that should be avoided during pregnancy. The mother-to-be will be properly positioned and supported during the massage using pillows and padding to ensure comfort and safety for the mother and baby. The therapist uses a combination of relaxation and remedial massage techniques to assist with the tensions and pains experienced throughout the pregnancy.

How common is back pain during pregnancy?

There are many women who experience back pain during any point of their pregnancy. The commonness can vary with reports, showing between 50 to 70 percent of all pregnant women having back pain. Most commonly it occurs later on in the pregnancy as the baby increases in weight. Back pain can interfere with your daily routine or disrupt a good night of required sleep.

What are some of the benefits of Pregnancy Massage?

• Promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
• Increases blood and lymph circulation which can reduce swelling.
• Relieves muscle spasms, cramps and myofascial pain, particularly in the lower back, neck, hips and legs.
• Reduces headaches.
• Helps prevent insomnia
• Enhances skin pliability and underlying tissues.
• Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
• Facilitates preparation for labor by decreasing tension in muscles.
• Helps relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
• Provides support for the mother-to-be with physical and emotional strains of mothering.

Can all pregnant women receive massages?

Care must be taken during the first trimester but pregnancy massage is beneficial throughout the whole pregnancy for most healthy pregnant women. Even women carrying multiple babies can benefit from pregnancy massages.

There may be certain conditions that may or may not be related to the pregnancy that would exclude massage or certain types of massage. Pregnant women at risk for preterm labor, women with blood clots or clotting disorders, asthmatic mothers, hypertension and other conditions may require a written note from their doctor or midwife saying they can receive massage therapy during pregnancy.

If you have any further questions or would like more information on this service please contact our massage department at Beleura Sports and Spinal.