Pregnancy Massage
WWW.BALTIMOREMASSAGETHERAPY.COM
Massage during pregnancy
is therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be
as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth
experience. Massage therapy enhances the
function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and
relieves mental and physical fatigue.
Benefits of prenatal massage include:
· emotional support and
nurturing touch;
· relaxation and
decreased insomnia;
· stress relief on
weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, lower back and pelvis;
· neck and back pain
relief caused by muscle imbalance and weakness;
· assistance in
maintaining proper posture;
· preparing the muscles
used during childbirth;
· reduced swelling in
hands and feet;
· lessened sciatic pain;
· fewer calf cramps;
· headache and sinus
congestion relief.
In
addition to the fact that massage during pregnancy just plain feels good, there
are many other benefits for the mom-to-be and her baby, too. A study conducted
by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed that
massage actually reduces stress hormones in the body. When a pregnant woman is
under stress, she is far more likely to deliver preterm. A premature delivery
is the number one cause of birth defects in the U.S. Regardless of individual
circumstances, a pregnant woman's body is challenged in many ways. Massage
gives special attention to the mother-to-be, which in turn nurtures the new
life that grows within her.
Massage can
be performed once a week during the second trimester, and twice a week or more,
during the third trimester. Massage therapy can ease recurring problems, such
as sciatica, leg cramps, and back and round ligament pain. Massage therapy allows the mother to be to
relax and enjoy this wonderful experience.