Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, isn’t it? It is a period of joyful nine months, but it also brings life transitions and a new set of challenges. The reality of gestating another human being often includes a lot of physical discomfort and emotional stress. From backaches to swollen feet, many expecting mothers face challenges that make this special time harder than it should be. That’s where a massage therapy can make a difference. No doubt, therapeutic massage has been beneficial to everyone since centuries, improving overall health, reducing stress and relieving in muscle tension. And what for the expecting mothers? Of course, massage therapy is beneficial for pregnant women as well.
In pregnancy, massage is not only soothing, but it is beneficial for overall health of the mother as well as the baby. Many researches have showed that prenatal massage therapy has been beneficial for the expecting mothers in reducing anxiety, relieving muscle aches and joint paints, and also in improving labour outcomes and new-born health. But is it safe? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits and safety of massage therapy for expecting mothers, so you can feel confident about taking care of both your body and your baby. Let’s begin!
It is known as Prenatal Massage
Yes, the massage therapy for expecting mother is called prenatal massage! When you visit a massage therapy clinic in South Edmonton for a prenatal massage, you will notice that it is somewhat different from traditional massage. This type of massage is especially designed for the expecting mothers. In traditional massage, you have to spend few time lying face down and few time lying face up. But, during pregnancy, it’s not possible to lie down in similar positions, because you will be having a baby belly. Lying upside down can put pressure on blood vessels, which can also disrupt blood flow to your baby, and you might also feel nauseous.
Therefore, for prenatal massages, trained therapists are there who know how to position you providing you extra room for your growing belly and breast, and at the same time provide you extreme comfort with a perfect massage. Now, if you are wondering how it is different from a normal massage, then don’t worry, as we will answer it. Prenatal massages are done with very light pressure. If you want to feel it right now, then just imagine that you are having a Swedish massage with very light stroking techniques, like kneading. It’s not at all a deep tissue massage!
Why Massage Therapy is Beneficial during Pregnancy?
If you are an expecting mother, then you must plan a routine visit to massage therapy clinic in West Edmonton. Do you know, why? It is so because massage therapy offers numerous benefits in pregnancy. A great benefit of massage therapy in pregnancy is getting relief from pregnancy discomforts such as swollen legs, back pain or headaches. Pregnancy changes the female body, and that’s why these types of discomforts become very common. And a prenatal massage can help you in getting comfort from these.
Massage therapy during pregnancy also promotes stress reduction and deep relaxation, providing emotional balance. Pregnancy causes hormone imbalance, causing mood swings. And a massage therapy can control it. In short, you will experience an improved sleep cycle, which most of the pregnant women don’t get due to heavy discomfort. As we all know that massage improves blood circulation in our body, prenatal massage also does the same. With prenatal massage, the swelling in your legs and feet can flee away, due to the improved circulation in the body. Similarly, there are a lot of health benefits for massage therapy in pregnant women.
Types of Massage Techniques for Pregnant Women
There a few types of massage techniques specially designed for pregnant women, offering overall health benefits. These are –
- Swedish massage – This type of massage helps in relaxation and easing muscle tension in expecting mothers. Most of the times, pregnant women are suggested Swedish massage to improve circulation and reduce swelling. All other pregnancy related discomforts are also addressed using
- Reflexology – You must have heard the benefits of reflexology. The same benefit goes for pregnant women. Massage therapists target specific points on your feet, hands and ears in reflexology, to reduce stress and provide relief to your tissues.
- Myofascial Release Therapy – This technique involves applying gentle pressure to release tension in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. During pregnancy, it can help relieve discomfort caused by muscle tightness and postural changes. This therapy helps expecting mothers feel more comfortable and move easily.
- Craniosacral Therapy – Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that focuses on relieving tension in the central nervous system. It involves light touches to the head, neck, and spine to promote relaxation and improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. For pregnant women, craniosacral therapy can help reduce stress, alleviate headaches, and support emotional balance.
- Aromatherapy Massage – Aromatherapy massage uses pregnancy-safe essential oils to enhance the experience. These oils not only smell wonderful but also help to reduce stress and uplift mood, making the massage even more soothing and effective.
Whenever you visit a massage therapy clinic in South Edmonton or massage therapy clinic in West Edmonton, you will be offered any of these massages, as per your comfort or condition.
Safety Considerations to Keep in Mind!
While massage therapy for expecting mothers offers many benefits for expecting mothers, there are important safety considerations to keep in mind. First of all, you must avoid massage during the first trimester of pregnancy. Do you know why? This is a critical period of development for your baby. And also, for women with high-risk pregnancies or complications, a doctor’s approval is always needed before proceeding with a massage therapy.
Proper positioning during a massage is very important for the safety of both mother and baby. The side-lying position with pillows for support is the most common, as it relieves from pressure on the abdomen and promotes relaxation. This is especially important in later stages of pregnancy when lying on the back can restrict blood flow.
Apart from these, choosing a qualified and experienced massage therapist who is trained in prenatal massage is very important. For example, if you visit our massage therapy clinic in West Edmonton, Proactive Physiotherapy, you will not have to worry about hiring professional and experienced therapists. Because all our therapists are skilled, having years of experience in prenatal massage.
While getting a prenatal massage, you must make sure that pregnancy-safe oils and lotions are used. Certain oils can be harmful during pregnancy, so it’s important that your therapist uses products specifically formulated for expectant mothers. Rest, always consult your doctor, and asking if you are good enough to go for a massage therapy. That’s obviously safe to do anything under medical supervision, especially when you are pregnant!
Benefits for Physical and Emotional Health
Do you know that doctors also suggest that if there are no complications, then expected mothers should go for massage therapy? Do you know why? Because massage therapy has real benefits for expected mothers. From pain relief to regulating certain hormone levels, if you plan to go to a massage therapy clinic in South Edmonton, you can experience real benefits in your health. Some of the benefits of massage therapy for your physical and emotional health are –
Hormone Regulation
When an expecting mother is given massage relaxation, hormone levels associated with stress relief elevates and it has been proved in many studies. In the study, expected mothers who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) were reduced, and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression).
Reducing Muscle Tension and Pain
As the body undergoes changes during pregnancy, muscle tension, particularly in the back, hips, and legs, becomes common. Massage therapy helps relieve these discomforts by loosening tight muscles and improving circulation. This can make movement easier and reduce the aches that come with a growing belly and shifting posture.
Reducing Swelling
Swelling in the joints are most common during pregnancy. And do you know how it is caused? During pregnancy, reduced circulation and increases pressure on major blood vessels by the heavy uterus is responsible for the swelling. With the help of massage therapies, soft tissues can be stimulated for reducing the collection of fluids in the swollen parts, making it relieving for the mother.
Reducing Anxiety and Stress
Pregnancy can bring emotional ups and downs, often leading to anxiety and stress. Massage therapy promotes relaxation by triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. This helps reduce stress and anxiety, allowing expecting mothers to feel more balanced and emotionally at ease.
Preparing the Body for Labour
Massage therapy can also help prepare the body for labour by improving muscle tone, flexibility, and relaxation. It helps ease tension in key muscle groups involved in childbirth, making labour a bit more manageable and reducing the risk of complications.
Good health for both Mother and Baby
Regular massage therapy improves the overall well-being of the mother by supporting better sleep, mood, and physical health. This, in turn, benefits the baby, as a calm and relaxed mother provides a healthier environment for the baby’s development.
Improvement in Nerve Pain
You must have heard about sciatic nerve pain. It is experienced by most of the women who are in late pregnancy. But do you know why does it happen? During late pregnancies, uterus rests on the muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure on the uterus is responsible for spreading tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, which makes it painful. A perfect massage therapy helps in releasing the tension in the muscles, relieving the pain.
Relieving Insomnia
Many pregnant women experience difficulty sleeping due to discomfort, stress, and hormonal changes. Massage therapy can help alleviate insomnia by promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the body. The calming effect of massage lowers stress levels, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Some Common Myths You Must Know
Do you know that there are many myths and misconceptions about massage therapy for expecting mothers? A major myth is that massage therapy during pregnancy may harm the baby or the mother. But, it is not true! Visiting a massage therapy clinic in West Edmonton, when you are pregnant is completely safe, because you will be under the guidance of a trained professional. When done by a trained prenatal therapist, massage is both safe and beneficial.
Another key misconception is that massage is unsafe at any stage of pregnancy, but that’s also not true! It’s generally advisable to avoid massage therapy in the first trimester or in high-risk pregnancies. Also, you must note that, not all massage oils are safe, but only pregnancy-safe products should be used. Again, you must note that you must always consult your doctor before starting prenatal massage.
Where to Go for a Perfect Massage Therapy during Your Pregnancy Period?
When searching for a perfect massage therapy clinic in West Edmonton, during pregnancy, it’s important to find a clinic that specializes in prenatal care and have certified therapists experienced in working with expecting mothers. And if you are on that way, then there’s a good news for you. If you are living in Edmonton, and searching for a massage therapy clinic in South Edmonton, or West Edmonton, then there is no need to look further. We have specialists at Proactive Physiotherapy specialized in prenatal care, offering certified therapies, understanding the unique needs of expecting mothers. Visit https://proactivesportspt.ca/ to consult with our massage therapists today!
Contact Now and Lead a Comfortable Beautiful Pregnancy Journey!
Tags: Massage Therapy
