Several expectant mothers rely on massage therapy during pregnancy to relieve painful muscles and get proper relaxation before the baby arrives.

Prenatal massage therapies are typically regarded safe after the first trimester, provided you get the go signal from your medical doctor and inform your massage therapist know you are an expectant mother.

The difference of Pregnancy Massage to Others

During a prenatal massage session, you are prompted to lie on your side rather than on your back or side as in sports physical therapy and manual physical therapy. This is essential during the last term of pregnancy. Pillows bolster, or padding may be utilized to assist your back, knees, and feet. From time to time, your massage therapist may ask you to sit upright or in a semi-reclining position. 

When to Avoid Pregnancy Massage

Like in home physical therapy, you are advised to talk to your doctor before making a reservation for a pregnancy massage therapy. Be careful especially when you have a complicated pregnancy such as:

  • high risk of preterm labor
  • high blood pressure
  • blood clotting disorder
  • issues with placenta

The Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Relaxation is not the only merit of a massage therapy. In actual fact, there are several other benefits especially to the expectant mothers:

  1. It reduces the physical conditions of stress such as tense muscles and increased pulse in expecting mothers.
  2. It helps alleviate joint pain by making your muscles more flexible. 
  3. It increases the quality of sleep among pregnant mothers who have increased worries affecting their sleep at night. 
  4. It helps relieve swelling during pregnancy.
  5. It decreases headache frequency due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
  6. It helps ease heartburn by relaxing the nervous system and reducing stomach pressure. 
  7. It improves blood circulation and transports more nutrients and oxygen to your baby that help them grow and develop.
  8. It lessens stress hormone, cortisol, and releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones. 
  9. It manages nerve pain when the muscle is loosened and less likely to push on the nerve and cause pain.
  10. It makes delivery easier and lessens the demand for pain medication due to stress levels. 
  11. It aids lower back pain and soothes ligaments due to the gravity changes during pregnancy.
  12. It lowers your risk of premature labor as it decreases the cortisol levels. 

Nurturing a bundle of joy is not an easy task. Being relaxed helps maintain your physical and mental health in best shape.  

NOTE: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be regarded to be a treatment plan for any personal situation. Always seek the professional advice of your own doctor regarding your health or the health of others.