Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy is a period of many changes, both physical and emotional. One way pregnant women can cope with all these changes is through prenatal massage. A hit among pregnant women, prenatal massage helps women feel relaxed, have less pain and sore areas, and experience an easier pregnancy.

Prenatal massage is different from other massages in the sense that it targets pregnant women and the conditions that they encounter. Here are some conditions that prenatal massage improves:

Improved mood and disposition during pregnancy is easier attained. Mood swings and hormonal changes are considered normal during pregnancy, and prenatal massage helps ease and control these changes. Studies show that massage help increase dopamine and serotonin which improves the general mood and outlook. The stress hormone cortisol is also reduced through prenatal massage.

Swelling of the joints is also reduced since the massage helps blood circulation. Due to the increased weight of the uterus, the blood vessels are overworked leading to poor blood supply. When circulation is improved through prenatal massage, the swelling is also lessened.

Body pain is also addressed by prenatal massage. Back and leg pains can be expected due to the added weight of the baby. Through massage, these parts of the body can be relaxed and the pain from them lessened. Any stressed muscle or joint can be stimulated to become flexible and relaxed through a massage.

Due to improved blood circulation and reduced stress, prenatal massage also helps control blood pressure during pregnancy. For women at risk (not yet diagnosed) for Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, prenatal massage can allow them to keep their blood pressure rates in check.

Of course, there are counterindications to prenatal massage. Women who have diabetes, preeclempsia, abdominal pain, water and bloody discharge, and high blood pressure are generally advised against undergoing prenatal massage. The reason is that any massage or stimulation to the body can cause the conditions to worsen and endanger the mother and child. If you have the conditions mentioned above, better consult your doctor first before engaging in prenatal massage. Your physician should know best as to whether a prenatal massage is helpful or detrimental to your condition.

If you plan to get a prenatal massage, most spas and massage centers offer this service. Health providers and physical therapists can also offer prenatal massage. Just be sure that you check for the necessary certification and that the massage procedure is explained to you clearly. Be sure to communicate with the therapist any excessive pain, especially if it's within the area of the uterus and pelvis. To be safe, you can ask your doctor for recommendations on where you get your prenatal massage.

Though generally considered a blessed event. pregnancy can still be a stressful time for women. Due to all the physical and emotional changes that the infant brings to the woman's body, pregnancy can also be a tough time for women. A good way for women to deal with all these events would be to get a prenatal massage. A prenatal massage helps a woman feel relaxed, refreshed, and at ease. This leads to the uplifting of the mood and spirits, which also leads to better health for both the mother and child.