IS PRENATAL MASSAGE GOOD FOR MY BABY? Pregnancy is hard. Despite all of the medical advances in our society, nothing has really changed this simple biological fact that for a woman, being pregnant is a long nine months. It is a beautiful experience, yes. It is a miracle, yes. But it is hard. Some of us get morning, noon, and night sickness.
Some of us have unexpected hypertension or diabetes even with a perfect diet and exercise routine. Everyone gains weight, swells, bloats, has a sore back, and becomes irritable (to put it nicely).
It disrupts every facet of your physical, emotional, and professional life. And, then the end of pregnancy is one of the most frightening and yet amazingly wonderful experiences any person could have. It is walking through a door and welcoming a part of you into the world.
Along the way, you will try to do everything right. And one thing you can do for yourself and your baby is prenatal massage.
Massage therapy during pregnancy has been shown to provide many benefits, including a sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep. But certain techniques and trigger points in the body can cause contractions and premature labor, so seeking expertise is vital. It is important to have a massage therapist who is trained in prenatal massage. Most have women lying on her side to avoid pressure to the abdomen.
Always confirm with your doctor that a massage is okay for your condition.
Some of the benefits include:
- Reduced back pain
- Reduced joint pain
- Improved circulation
- Reduced edema
- Reduced muscle tension and headaches
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
- Better sleep
Our trained therapists will work to ensure you are comfortable and help ease stress, pain, and help you relax.
Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to women’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health.
Because women are at increased risk of a miscarriage in the first trimester, we typically ask that you not book a prenatal massage during this time or ensure you have a doctor’s note that you are not at risk.
If you are looking for pampering during pregnancy, but worried about massage, consider a relaxing facial or our indulgent pedicure, which includes an extended foot and leg massage.
