All About Pre Natal Massage

All About Pre Natal Massage – What is prenatal massage? Prenatal massage is a great way to relax and prepare your body for childbirth. It can also help to ease discomfort during pregnancy. Massage therapists use various techniques to relieve tension in the muscles and joints. Read on – All About Pre Natal Massage:

Benefits of Pre Natal Massage

Prenatal massage has many benefits for both the mother and baby. Some of these benefits include reducing anxiety, relieving muscle tension and pain, improving circulation, and helping with sleep. Here are six specific benefits of prenatal massage:

Reduces Anxiety:

Prenatal massage can help reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins that promote a sense of well-being. It can be a form of self-care for some women that helps them feel more relaxed and in control during pregnancy.

Relieves Muscle Tension and Pain:

Prenatal massage is a great way to relieve neck, shoulders, and back tension. It can also help alleviate the hips, lower back, and legs pain.

Improves Blood Circulation:

Poor circulation is common during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones, varicose veins, and weight gain contribute to poor circulation. Since many of the benefits of prenatal massage come from increased blood flow, it helps the mother deliver more oxygen-rich blood to her baby. There are also specific pressure points on the feet that relate directly to the uterus, which help improve circulation in the abdominal area.

Prenatal massage can also help prevent clots by improving blood flow, especially after resting or sitting for long periods. Some women naturally have sluggish circulation that doesn’t pick up until they stand up again. If this is you, you’ll benefit from prenatal massage because improved blood circulation can help prevent blood clots.

Helps with Sleep:

Prenatal massage can help improve sleep quality by relieving tension and pain. It’s also a great way to relax and de-stress before bed.

Reduces Swelling:

Swelling is common during pregnancy, especially in the feet, ankles, and hands. Prenatal massage helps reduce swelling by improving lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is the process of removing waste products from the tissues. When lymphatic drainage is working correctly, it helps keep the body healthy and free from infection.

Boosts Immunity:

The immune system is naturally suppressed during pregnancy to avoid rejecting the fetus. This leaves pregnant women more vulnerable to sickness and infection. However, prenatal massage can help stimulate the immune system by building antibodies and fighting off infection more efficiently.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Pre Natal Massage Therapist

A qualified massage professional can significantly benefit pregnant women and their unborn babies. Massage therapy has been proven to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and help with musculoskeletal pain.

Moreover, studies have shown that infants born from mothers who received regular massages during pregnancy are often calmer, more content, and less fussy than those born from mothers who did not receive any prenatal care. However, not all therapists are genuinely qualified for prenatal work.

Most therapists lack the training needed to provide a safe and effective prenatal massage for their clients. Therefore, it is essential that you a therapist that possesses the proper knowledge and training before booking a prenatal massage. Here are four factors you should consider when choosing a prenatal massage therapist:

1. Certification

When choosing a prenatal massage therapist, the first factor to look for is certification. Look for therapists who have been certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as specialists in prenatal massage. This indicates that they have received specific training in providing safe and effective massages to pregnant women.

2. Experience

It is also essential to choose a therapist who has experience working with pregnant women. Ideally, they will have worked with various pregnant women – including those who are high-risk, have had previous pregnancies, or are experiencing complications. This will ensure that they have the knowledge and experience to provide the best possible care for you.

3. Training

In addition to certification and experience, it is essential to choose a therapist who has received proper training in prenatal massage. This includes learning about the specific needs of pregnant women and how to address them safely and effectively. Therapists who have not undergone this specialized training may not be able to give you the care you need – putting both you and your baby at risk.

4. Location

When choosing a prenatal massage therapist, it is also essential to consider their location. Ideally, they will be located close to where you live or work so that it is easy to schedule appointments. If they are located far away, consider whether they are willing to make house call massages.

Pre Natal Massage Techniques

Prenatal massage is also known as pregnancy massage. It refers to techniques developed during the last century for massaging pregnant women. However, these techniques are not confined only to prenatal massage since they can be used on all people who need them, including non-pregnant individuals suffering from muscle aches and pains.

As with most other types of individualized bodywork techniques, prenatal massage consists mainly of strokes which refer to pain away from the sensitive reproductive areas while relaxing nearly every muscle in the body. The slow rhythmic motions relax the muscles while releasing endorphins (the ‘feel-good hormone) into the bloodstream.

As a result, both pregnant mothers and their unborn children benefit equally from this therapeutic approach to handling aches and pains.

For the mother, prenatal massage assists in making her happier and more relaxed, which can make for a smoother pregnancy. For the unborn child, massage helps develop the sense of touch earlier than usual and prepares them better for life outside the womb at birth.

Moreover, expectant mothers are often under considerable emotional stress during their pregnancies which can be very taxing on themselves and their unborn baby if not dealt with appropriately. Pregnancy massage is perfect for relieving stress, backaches, headaches, and muscle aches that tend to occur regularly throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy.

There are specific contraindications associated with prenatal massage. Women should avoid receiving these types of massages during the first trimester of their pregnancies, as this is when many miscarriages occur.

Pregnant women should not have their blood pressure taken during or after a massage session because lying down in a supine position can occasionally cause a slight drop in blood pressure. Finally, it is always best to consult a doctor before starting prenatal massage therapy.

All About Pre Natal Massage – Conclusion

Despite the few minor contraindications, prenatal massage is a very safe and healthy way for mothers-to-be to relax and ease tension during their pregnancies.

Many women find that regular sessions throughout all three trimesters help them cope better with the physical and emotional demands of carrying a child and lead to more restful pregnancies with fewer problems. Consequently, prenatal massage should be considered an essential aspect of prenatal care.