Massage During Pregnancy
During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes many changes, some of them stressful and uncomfortable. She becomes aware of her body's ever changing appearance. Massage is a perfect way to reduce stress, help her become accustom to her new body, and promote an improved sense of well-being.
Massage can: Relieve many of the normal discomforts during pregnancy, such as backaches, a stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, edema, and sore, swollen ankles and feet. Relax tense muscles and tone loose muscles, which can also increase muscular flexibility. Flexibility will be most helpful during the last trimester and during the birth itself. Help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes mom is experiencing. Soothe and relax nervous tension, which helps the mother sleep more easily and more deeply. Increase local and general blood circulation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and fetus.
This all adds up to greater vitality and less fatigue for mom and better nourishment for her baby. Pregnancy massage helps mom's body to eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which combats fatigue and increases energy. Doctors all agree that a relaxed mother will have a happier, healthier pregnancy and possibly an easier childbirth experience. Massage can be used during the birth to make it easier and more comfortable for mom, and after the birth as well, to help her regain her strength more quickly and ease postpartum adjustments and stress.
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