Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress and relieve muscle tension. Massage during pregnancy often received mixed reactions from the medical community about the safety and purpose of massage during pregnancy. Modern research shows that prenatal massage can play a very important role in prenatal care for women and should be carefully considered.
Although most educational institutions that teach massage, teach massage for pregnant women, it is better to find a massage therapist who is certified in prenatal massage.
Massage and Pregnancy: the benefits of prenatal massage
Studies show that massage conducted during pregnancy, can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression
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It relieves pain in muscles and joints, as well as generic activities, and improve the health of newborns.
Massage satisfy the different needs of different methods, one of which is called Swedish massage - it is aimed at reducing muscle tension and improvement of the lymphatic system and blood circulation through gentle pressure applied to the different muscle groups of the body. Swedish Massage is the recommended prenatal massage method during pregnancy because it affects many of the common problems associated with musculo-vascular changes caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Hormonal regulation
Studies in the last ten years have shown that the levels of hormones associated with relaxation and stress
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Significantly altered by the action of massage, which leads to the regulation of mood and improve the cardiovascular system, if the massage was introduced in antenatal care of women. Women treated with biweekly massage for five weeks, the level of hormones, such as norepinephrine and cortisol ("stress hormones") has been reduced, and the level of dopamine and serotonin was increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression). These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer complications in the newborn, such as low birth weight. This evidence suggests health benefits for mothers and newborns as therapeutic massage
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included in the regular prenatal care.
Reduction of edema
Edema or swelling of the joints during pregnancy often appear because of the reduced blood circulation and increase the pressure on the major blood vessels of heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce the accumulation of fluid in the swollen joints, which also improves the ability of the lymphatic system output of waste from the tissues.
The reduction of pain in the nerves
In later pregnancy, many women experience pain from the sciatic nerve, as the uterus puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and the lower back. The pressure of the uterus causes tension in the muscles of the upper and lower parts of the legs, forcing them to put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage eliminates the inflammation of the nerves, helping to eliminate the pressure on the surrounding muscles. Many women have experienced a significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy after regular massage.
Other potential benefits of prenatal massage:
- Lower back pain
- Reduced joint pain
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- Improved circulation
- Reduction of edema
- Reduced muscle tension and headaches
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improved oxygenation of the soft tissue and muscles
- Improved sleep
Precautions for prenatal massage
As with any therapeutic approach during pregnancy to the well-being of the future mother, a woman should discuss massage with your doctor. The best way to prevent the risks of prenatal massage - it is your awareness of them and work with professionals.
The position of the body during prenatal massage
Many experts believe the best position for a pregnant woman during the massage - side position. Massage tables with an opening which can be placed in the stomach can not be reliable and can still create pressure on the stomach or the stomach to allow hanging, whereby there is a sprain of the uterus. Discuss with the masseur in advance what position he works with clients during the massage.
Look for the appropriate masseur
It is important to seek help from a certified prenatal massage therapist. Certified doctors were trained, corresponding to the state standards for massage therapists, and know how to work in a particular pregnancy, what are your needs and sensitive areas of the body.
Be aware of and sensitive pressure points
Trained prenatal massage therapists are aware of the pressure points on the ankles and wrists that can gently stimulate the pelvic muscles, including the uterus. Certified prenatal massage therapists are trained to avoid deliberate pressure on these areas during pregnancy. Any woman who has gone through an early or premature contractions Braxton Hicks must notify your doctor about this fact and, therefore, pressure points should be avoided completely.
Women with the following features should talk with your doctor before the massage:
- High-risk pregnancies
- Pregnancy Hypertension
- Preeclampsia
- Previous preterm birth
- Severe swelling, high blood pressure or sudden, severe headaches
- Recent childbirth
Is prenatal massage safe throughout pregnancy
Women can begin massage at any time during the pregnancy - in the first, second or third trimester. But many experts refuse to do massage for women in the first trimester because of the high statistics of abortions in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.
Prenatal massage as part of prenatal care
Massage can improve the overall state of many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a physician prenatal massage can be incorporated into everyday prenatal care as the emotional and physical complement to improve the outcome of pregnancy and the health of the mother. Consult your midwife before starting any new therapeutic procedure.