When you become pregnant, people can’t help but talk about the beautiful journey you’re on. In reality, pregnancy is much more than a walk in the park. Instead of the glow often associated with pregnancy, many pregnant women are nauseous, tired, and achy.
One way to combat the physical and emotional challenges that come with pregnancy is by using massage therapy. Moms massages are designed specifically with pregnant people in mind. This type of massage offers benefits that can ease some of the challenges that pregnancy can present.
If you are an expectant mom looking for some relief, a prenatal massage may be just what the doctor ordered. We’ll look at the benefits of mom massages and why they’ll become your new favourite thing in our article below.
Prenatal Massage: The Basics
Prenatal massages are a form of massage that focuses on addressing the unique needs of a pregnant mom. This kind of massage uses gentler pressure and soothing techniques to relieve muscle tension and help with relaxation.
Prenatal massages are usually between thirty minutes and an hour long. You can choose the length of the massage to meet your needs and comfort level.
The massage bed that you lie on will look different from the one you lie on during a regular massage. You’ll either lie on a bed with a hole in the centre or use support cushions to keep you in position during the massage.
The areas of focus for prenatal massage are usually places that see the most stress during pregnancy. You’ll get most work done on your hips, lower back, and shoulders during a prenatal massage.
Benefits of Mom Massages
Getting a prenatal massage is more than a relaxing hour away from home. These massages provide many benefits that are vital for the health of both mom and baby.
Easing Pregnancy Discomfort
Pregnant women can feel a lot of discomfort as their bodies grow. Prenatal massage tailors therapy to address these discomforts in a drug-free way.
Prenatal massage uses gentle kneading and slight pressure to ease these discomforts. The process of massaging the body helps increase blood flow to the body. This increased blood flow and relaxation can keep a pregnant body feeling less uncomfortable.
Hormone Regulation
Another great benefit of prenatal massage is that it can regulate some hormone levels. When you get a massage, you release oxytocin and serotonin. These hormones keep you happy and relaxed.
The regulation of these hormones can help keep your mood up. It can reduce the anxiety and depression that many women feel during pregnancy.
Improves Circulation
Swelling is a condition that many pregnant women experience. This is due to the increased amount of water a body holds during pregnancy. Swelling is prevalent in hotter weather or if you’ve been standing for a long time.
Prenatal massage can combat swelling by improving blood flow. The massage does this by increasing circulation through your body to keep swelling down.
Better Sleep
Many pregnant moms have trouble getting enough sleep at night. This is especially true as you progress through your pregnancy.
Prenatal massage helps promote relaxation in the body’s nervous system. This heightened relaxed state helps keep mom relaxed and ready for a good night’s sleep.
Prepares the Body for Labour
Prenatal massages can focus on specific areas of the body that play a crucial role during labour. Consistent prenatal massages can help support the body for labour by keeping muscles loose and your mood up.
Bonding for Mom and Baby:
Prenatal massages can give you a unique opportunity to connect with your baby before they’re born. This quiet time allows an expectant mom to focus on her changing body and growing baby.
Safety of Prenatal Massages
Before booking your prenatal massage, you’ll want to keep yourself safe. There are a few considerations you should think about before making your appointment.
Find a Trained Massage Therapist
Make sure to find a massage therapist who has had training in prenatal massage. This will ensure that the therapist knows the safety considerations needed for women at any stage of pregnancy.
Communication Is Key
During your massage, make sure to keep talking to your massage therapist. If anything feels uncomfortable, speak up! Your therapist can adjust the massage until it feels perfect for you.
Steer Clear of Pressure Points
There has been a lot of speculation that prenatal massage can induce labour. Many expectant moms feel like they need to stop prenatal massage once they hit their third trimester. The truth is, you can get a prenatal massage up until you are in labour.
Massage is great at any stage of pregnancy. Once you reach full term, you can use prenatal massage to encourage labour by massaging certain acupressure points. Keep in mind, this should be something you discuss with both your doctor and massage therapist before trying.
Check With Your Doctor
If you have experienced anything abnormal with your pregnancy, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before your massage. Women who have had any early contractions, bleeding, or certain health conditions may need doctor approval first.
Sometimes you can get prenatal massages covered by health insurance. If you get a doctor’s note for your prenatal massage, you can bill the cost to your insurance company.
Don’t Forget About Postpartum Massage
A massage is perfect for any stage of pregnancy, and that includes the fourth trimester. A postpartum massage encourages healing and relaxation during the transition out of pregnancy.
It can be hard to plan time alone when you’re in the middle of new motherhood, and a postpartum massage can give you just that. You’ll boost your energy and soothe the sore muscles you get from childbirth and caring for your newborn. Keep the self-care going with a Swedish Relaxation massage even after the postpartum stage is over.
Moms Massages Leave You Refreshed
Prenatal massages help expectant moms care for their physical and emotional well-being. If you’re pregnant, moms massages can make your pregnancy experience more enjoyable.
If you are expecting a little one, Masahista Healing Hands is here for you. We’ll use our years of massage experience to provide you with the expertise you deserve. Book your appointment today and get ready to feel rested and rejuvenated.
