Pregnancy is a magical time, a journey filled with joy and anticipation as expecting mothers dream about their baby’s future. However, this enchanting period is often accompanied by physical challenges that can lead to discomfort and fatigue, including back pain, swollen feet, joint stiffness and morning sickness. Prenatal massage therapy is a safe and effective practice that alleviates these common pregnancy symptoms, while also promoting relaxation and a greater sense of well-being.
The techniques used in prenatal massage are adapted for the expecting mother’s unique body needs, incorporating gentle kneading and compression along with targeted stretching and range of motion movements to loosen tight muscles and improve posture. During a session, the expectant mother lies comfortably on her stomach or side, depending on where her doctor recommends she lie during each trimester. In addition to relieving aches and pains, a prenatal massage can enhance the overall experience of pregnancy by reducing stress levels, improving circulation, reducing swelling, soothing sore muscles and helping the mother-to-be establish a deeper bond with her baby.
Studies show that women who receive regular massages have lower levels of cortisol (the hormone that causes anxiety and stress) than those who don’t. Additionally, women who received massages during their first trimester experienced shorter labor times and fewer complications than those who didn’t.
When receiving a prenatal massage, it’s important to drink plenty of water before and after the session to hydrate and flush out toxins from the body. In addition, it’s helpful to take slow, deep breaths throughout the massage to enhance relaxation and reduce any feelings of tension or anxiety.
During the session, it’s important to communicate with your therapist on how you’re feeling throughout the massage and to let her know if she should avoid any particular areas or movements. For instance, you may want to avoid lying on your stomach after 16 weeks of pregnancy due to the increased pressure on the abdomen and uterus. Also, your therapist should avoid using any fragranced oils that could trigger nausea or uterine contractions, particularly in the first trimester, such as lavender.
As a result of its numerous benefits, many doctors and midwives endorse prenatal massage as part of a holistic approach to prenatal care. They often maintain directories of certified therapists that have fulfilled stringent training and certification standards, simplifying the process of finding a professional who is trained to provide pregnancy massage therapy in Atlanta. In some cases, you may even be able to use your health savings account or flexible spending account to pay for your prenatal massage, provided that your doctor approves it. For more details visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.