Pregnancy is the most beautiful and sensitive phase in a woman’s life. Every woman goes through several hormonal and physical changes during the pre and post pregnancy phase. Almost all pregnant women go through certain aches, muscles stiffness, lower back pain, cramps etc., during pregnancy. Prenatal massage is the best option to relieve such body aches and stiffness in pregnant women without medication.
What is prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage is a massage done to pregnant women during pregnancy. This massage is one of the best options for prenatal care as it is helpful in relieving many physical discomforts experienced by pregnant women. This massage improves blood circulation and relaxes the nerves thus leading to healthy pregnancy.
Benefits of prenatal massage
Reduces stress on weight bearing joints
Prenatal massage includes relieving stiff joints and relaxing nerves. This reduces the stress on all the weight-bearing joints of the body such as knees, low back spine, feet etc.
Improves blood circulation
Due to prenatal massage, the veins are relaxed hence, it improves and increase blood circulation. Due to this, there is more supply of oxygen and other vital nutrients to the mother and the baby in the womb.
Relieves various discomforts
Majority of pregnant women go through lower back pain, headaches, constipation, fatigue, acid reflux, hip joint pain, stiff muscles, tangled veins, leg cramps, upper back pain, etc. Prenatal massage is effective in relieving all these discomforts with right massage technique.
Provides sound sleep to pregnant woman
Prenatal massage soothes the nervous system of the “to be mother’s” body by releasing endorphins in it. As a result, the pregnant woman feels more relaxed and gets a sound sleep.
Helps in maintaining healthy body postures
Prenatal massage helps in increasing flexibility and improving muscles tone. It also helps the expecting women to adjust her body alignments and maintain a healthy body posture as per the increasing weight of the baby.
Contributes to healthy pregnancy and delivery
Along with healing body aches without medicines, prenatal massage also helps in reducing stress and depression naturally. In addition, it also increases blood circulation and provides essential vitamins and minerals to the mother and the baby. As a result, it contributes to overall healthy and safe pregnancy.
What is the Best time to get a prenatal massage?
There is no such ideal time for a prenatal massage but experts suggest that is good to have it in the second trimester. In case, you are a smoke or drug addict or a heavy drinker before pregnancy than you should avoid prenatal massage as it may cause detox reaction in your body.
Things to keep in mind before having a prenatal massage:
- Do not start your prenatal massage in the first trimester of your pregnancy as it may lead to miscarriage.
- Use mild oils like coconut oil, grape seed oil, mustard oil, etc., for massage. Also, check whether you are allergic to these oils or not.
- Pressing of certain points on the wrist and ankles may lead to contraction in the uterus hence make sure your therapist is using the right techniques.
- Do not continue with the massage if you feel sick, light headed or uncomfortable after the massage.
