How Is Pregnancy Massage Different from Other Types of Massage and What Are Its Benefits? - By: Ben Pianese

What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Like any other type of massage, prenatal massage focuses on improving the overall well-being of the body, by relaxing the muscles, eliminating pain, soothing sore spots and improving circulation and mobility. In addition to that, prenatal massage also focuses on the unique necessities of the pregnant woman.

This means some changes are made in the usual ways of performing the massage. The most significant change regards the woman’s position. Pregnant women cannot simply lie on the massage table with their face pointed towards the floor because of their swollen, sensitive breasts and, especially, because of their big, round belly.
Lying on the back is also not a suitable solution; this results in an increased pressure on the vein that carries the blood from the legs to the heart, because of the uterus’s tremendous weight. This is why the prenatal massage requires a special table, which has some hollowed-out spots, so that the woman would be able to lie on it with her face down. Special pillows to support the belly and breasts are also required. If there is no special table, the woman can lie comfortably on her side, with the help of bolsters (pillows with a special design). This position is often considered to be more comfortable for pregnant women, especially during their later stage of pregnancy.

Another change in the way the massage is performed consists in the fact that the therapist will avoid performing deep massage and putting increased pressure on certain areas of the woman’s body, such as the legs. Pregnant women have their blood volume substantially increased (by 50%), so the poor blood flow can lead to risks of developing blood clots. Also, therapists usually avoid massaging the belly area.

What Are the Benefits of Pregnancy Massage?

It is not uncommon for future mothers to experience increased levels of stress and anxiety, swellings of the arms and legs, back pains and joint pains. Prenatal massage not only fights these symptoms, but also offers relief and emotional support, which are highly benefic during pregnancy.

By decreasing the levels of the norepinephrine (stress hormone), this massage technique also improves the quality of sleep, reduces the occurrence of depression and leads to an overall improvement of the woman’s mood.

Even if not all doctors would advise pregnant women to have such a massage, if the therapist is well-trained, the potential risks are almost inexistent. However, pregnancy massage is not advised during the pregnancy's first trimester, being said to lead to miscarriage.

If the woman’s health is good and she is well aware of her body and her current condition, she can confidently resort to a massage specialist to help her feel more comfortable during her pregnancy. Pregnancy massage is specially designed for pregnant women and takes into considerations all risks and the methods that must be adapted, removed or improved in order to make the future mother feel exceptionally well.

About the Author

Ben Pianese is a professional massage therapist working in London, UK. To see what treatments he offers apart from pregnancy massage please visit his website at http://www.massaggi.co.uk/

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Ben-Pianese/211144

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