How Massage and Pregnancy Go Hand in Hand

See Also:
Surprising Ways Massage Can Spell RELIEF for the Pregnant
Bright Beginnings Massage Services

Pregnancy is a time of changes, some eagerly embraced, and others less welcome. Your entire body adapts to the new life growing within you. You also face important life changes at home or at work, with family or friends. You need and deserve support, especially since two people now depend on your health and vitality. 

Massage is a wonderful way to relax, increase your energy, and relieve discomfort during your pregnancy. The caring touch of massage can help you experience your changing body in a positive, accepting way. Massage can also be something special for you at a time when so much of your attention is on the baby to come.

Coping with stress and fatigue
Change, even welcome change, is stressful. The tension caused by stress, along with the physical changes of pregnancy, can sap your energy for coping day-to-day. A soothing massage can relieve physical and emotional tension, help you sleep better, and boost your energy. 

Studies show that massage can boost the immune system, especially helpful during pregnancy, when your immune system is weaker than normal. Massage loosens tight muscles and calms the nervous system. It also increases circulation, bringing energy-producing nutrients to your cells, and carrying away metabolic waste products that can make you feel listless. In a massage, you also become more aware of your body, which helps you recognize tension as it builds during the day and consciously release it.

Easing aches and pains
Massage can help with many of the aches and pains you experience as your body changes during pregnancy. Massage can:

• Relieve pain in your muscles and joints that must support added and redistributed weight;
• Increase flexibility, making it easier for your body to adjust to a changing shape;
• Ease constipation, gas and heartburn as general relaxation stimulates intestinal movement;
• Reduce excess fluid retention by gently pushing fluid into circulation where it can be eliminated;
• Slow the progress of varicose veins as enhanced circulation lowers pressure on bulging veins;
• Relieve headaches caused by tension, constipation, or buildup of metabolic waste products.

Your comfort during a massage
You will be comfortably supported with pillows during your massage. In later pregnancy you can experience a complete massage comfortably supported in a side-lying position. You will be draped with a sheet everywhere except the part of your body being massaged. Ask for a lighter drape or less heat in the room if you are too hot. If your sense of smell is sensitive, ask for unscented lotion. It is fine to interrupt your massage when you need to use the restroom. 

Be sure to ask any questions you have about massing in general or your session in particular. Tell you massage therapist if anything feels uncomfortable or if there are areas that you would rather not have massaged (for example your abdomen). Massage is most beneficial when communication is open, so please feel free and confident to give your therapist feedback throughout your session.

Preparing for labor
Massage can help you prepare for the birthing process in at least two ways. First, through massage you can increase your awareness of tension in your body and learn how to consciously release it. You can also prepare for labor by practicing focus, breathing and relaxation techniques while a tender area is being massaged. The result will be increased confidence and control during labor.

Massage during labor
Massage is part of the birthing process in virtually all tribal cultures of the world. It can help you relax between contractions, reduce pain from tight muscles, and provide emotional support and encouragement. Because stress interferes with production of labor-inducing hormones, there is even evidence that massage can promote a speedier birth. Getting regular massage throughout your pregnancy will allow your massage therapist to get to know your body and your needs. 

You may be able to arrange to have the massage therapist present at your labor. As an alternative, you may want to share with your birthing partner some massage techniques you find relaxing. Your massage therapist may be able to suggest a massage class for you and your partner, or may offer private or group lessons. 

Postpartum massage
In the postpartum period, nature sets about undoing in eight weeks what it took nine months to create. Though it may be difficult, it is as important to care for yourself now as during your pregnancy. If you are nursing, a relaxing massage can help since tension interferes with milk letdown. 

Psychologically, massage can nurture and comfort you whether or not you experience postpartum blues. Massage can help anyone handle the physical demands of caring for a newborn by reducing tension and increasing energy. 

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