One of the least discussed but most beneficial activities that pregnant women can engage in is prenatal massage. Even though most people have never heard of it, prenatal massage offers an array of health benefits for mom and baby alike. In this article, we’ll discuss three major ways that prenatal massage can improve the health and happiness of expectant mothers during their pregnancy.
What is prenatal massage?
A prenatal massage is a massage given to someone who is pregnant. It can help with back pain, reduce swelling in the legs and feet, and relieve stress on the spine from carrying the weight of your growing baby bump. A prenatal massage typically lasts about an hour and is performed by a trained professional who has had special training in giving massages to pregnant women. The therapist will first ask how you’re feeling before they touch you to find out what areas are most pressing, and then they’ll use various techniques such as Swedish, hot stone or deep tissue massages to address any issues you’re experiencing while pregnant. Since pregnant women cannot lie on their stomachs for the massage, the massage therapist will provide cushioning assistance and accommodate for these changes.
Every prenatal massage can be different based on the ailments that are most bothersome.
Top 3 health benefits of prenatal massage
1) Improves sleep
Pregnancy can be an exhausting and tiring experience. You may find yourself having trouble sleeping, waking up throughout the night, and unable to get comfortable. Luckily, prenatal massage can help you sleep better and feel more rested during the day.
Better sleep has a myriad of benefits on both your health and wellness. Aside from improving energy levels, it can make you feel more rested and give you better mental clarity so you’re able to focus more on your daily tasks. Even if there are still some days that are harder than others, treating yourself with a prenatal massage can help in getting through pregnancy feeling refreshed and at peace with your body.
2) Reduces joint pain
Expectant mothers can experience aches and pains as their body changes to accommodate the baby. Joint pain is one of the most common issues, with new moms often experiencing pain in their lower back, hips, and knees. Prenatal massage is a natural way to help soothe these aches and pains. It also helps increase circulation and reduce stress levels, both of which are beneficial to the developing fetus.
3) Reduces stress and anxiety
Prenatal massage can help mothers-to-be to relax, which is especially important during pregnancy. This type of massage is thought to reduce the woman’s stress levels, which in turn lowers her cortisol levels. Lower cortisol levels have been linked to lower rates of inflammation and higher rates of mental health.
Is it safe for a pregnant woman to get a massage?
Pregnancy is a time of transition and adjustment, so it’s important to find ways to relax. One way to do this is by getting prenatal massages. Studies have shown that prenatal massage can help relieve stress in pregnant women, lessen the risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, and reduce the symptoms of morning sickness. You should always discuss your massage with your doctor before you get one because there are some contraindications (ex: if you have high blood pressure). But in general, if you’re feeling stressed or want relief from pregnancy-related aches and pains, a prenatal massage is perfectly safe.