When carrying a baby , many women feel tired, pains from different kinds and need some relief, we understand you so much, and as heard from a certified pregnancy massage therapist I want to tell you why you would love it and how it can help you feelgreat and relaxed!
Maternal massages are generally considered safe after the first trimester, as long as get the green light from you practitioner and you let your massage therapist know you’re pregnant. But you’ll want to avoid massage during the first three months of pregnancy as it may trigger dizziness and add to morning sickness.
Despite myths you might have heard, there’s is no magic eject button that will accidentally disrupt your pregnancy, and there isn't much solid scientific proof that specific types of massage can have an effect one way or the other. Some massage therapists avoid certain pressure points, including the one between the anklebone and heel, because of concern that it may trigger contractions, but the evidence on whether massage actually can kickstart labor is inconclusive (to nonexistent). It is a good idea to avoid having your tummy massaged, since pressure on that area when you're pregnant can make you uncomfortable.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
There are many Benefits of massage during pregnancy.
They reduce anxiety, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labour outcomes and baby’s health. Also do they decrease symptoms of depression and relieve joint pains.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage include:
1. Reduces your stress levels and gives you the space to deeply relax and enjoy your pregnancy.
Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered. When massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care, they led to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health.
Hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced. Dopamine and serotonin levels (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression) were increased.
2. Eases pregnancy aches and discomforts including back pain, pubic symphysis and aching hips and legs.
3. Reduces swelling in the legs and feet, easing the discomfort of varicose veins and achy joints.
Swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints. This also improves the removal of tissue waste, carried by the body’s lymph system
4. Helps you develop mind/body awareness, A benefit for you and your baby. a sense of connetion.
Having regular massage helps you to become aware of where you are holding tension and being able to consciously release it. A essential skill in the birthing room.
As with exercise, the benefits of massage during pregnancy increase with regular treatments. You will become more body aware and experience deeper relaxation with each massage.
You can also choose to focus on different parts of the body depending on how you are feeling and where you are carrying tension.
Your baby will also benefit from your relaxed state, lowered stress levels and improved health.
5. Helps preparing for birth
Regular massage treatments can also help you to prepare for birth. By improving your flexibility, posture and ensuring that you feel well and energised in the last few weeks.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Pregnancy massage can only be done from week 15!