Pregnancy Massage
This is a wonderful treat for the expecting mother and packs a ton of benefits too.
The benefits of prenatal massage during pregnancy
Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.
We use Swedish Massage technics for prenatal moms. Swedish Massage aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through mild pressure applied to each muscle group of the body. It addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.
Hormone regulation
Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered by massage. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression.) These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.
Reduction of swelling
Edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints, which also improves the removal of tissue waste, carried by the body’s lymph system.
Reduced sciatica pain
Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads, creating tension on the muscles of the upper and lower leg. This causes them to swell and puts pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on the muscles. Many women have experienced significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage.
So call today and come see Penny for your healing, comforting massage.
Ready to relax and support your good health?
Drop us a line today and make an appointment!