What is a pregnancy massage? Pregnancy massage therapy promotes relaxation and relieves the pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy. It's no secret that a massage is probably one of the best ways for...
It's no secret that a massage is probably one of the best ways for someone to relax their mind or ease some aches and pains in their body. A way of reducing stress and tension in the body by stroking, kneading or rubbing the muscles in a certain manner, massages have long been popular to a wide range of consumers.
But as more research is being done on the benefits of massages, more areas are being discovered as key beneficiaries to the massage. One group that has probably benefited the most from the increased research and development of the massage would have to be pregnant women.
Prenatal massages have increased over the years due to the therapeutic bodywork that is provided for the mother. As we all know, a mother-to-be's body will go through a significant amount of changes during pregnancy. Prenatal massages help ease the transition by focusing directly on the changes that the mom will experience leading up to childbirth. By being able to enhance the function of muscles and joints and improve circulation, prenatal massages have proven to be very beneficial to many expecting mothers.
Greg Smith is the Director of Information and Outreach at the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy. Smith has been practicing massage therapy for the last seven years and also serves as a fitness therapist and personal trainer. Smith said that prenatal massages are great for potential mothers.
"Pregnancy massage is a specific massage designed for during and after pregnancy," he said. "It is typically used for relaxation and to deal with pregnancy related pain or discomfort. It usually lasts an hour, and the woman tends to lie on her side. Lying on your stomach would obviously be more uncomfortable."
"Relaxation tips would include basic stretching techniques and using something like a theracane," he added. "Exercise and good nutrition can also be helpful. If you're dealing with pain, hot or cold packs can be very beneficial as well."
While lying on your stomach for a prenatal massage can be uncomfortable, there are ways to get it done. Recently, there has been a specifically designed pillow for expecting moms to lie on during a massage. The pillow is accommodated with a deep center cutout for the stomachs of the moms.
Being able to lie on your stomach can help the process later on during the pregnancy. After the first 22 weeks, lying flat on their backs can cause pressure on deep blood vessels due to the growing baby. As suggested by most experts, the majority of prenatal massages should be done on the side, but when accommodations permit, a good back rub can be very beneficial to an expecting mother.
Other benefits from prenatal massages include emotional support and a nurturing touch. Relaxation during the massage helps to decrease insomnia in some patients. Stress, probably one of the biggest issues for pregnant women, can be released on such joints as the ankles and lower back and reduction of headaches. Prenatal massages also help to prepare the mother to use the muscles she will be using during childbirth.
