What Is Prenatal Massage And Why Is It Important to Get It?

Pregnancy is one of the most special periods of a woman’s life. While a new being develops in your body, your body and mind also experience gradual changes which are nearly inevitable. These changes give rise to conflicting and happy thoughts at the same time. The mood and physical balance takes several flips during this period and so, prenatal massage is recommended. But what exactly is this massage?

What Is Prenatal Massage?

This is a type of massage that focuses on the pregnant woman’s lower back and pelvic region. Much like traditional massage, this massage will be characterized by slow strokes and deep tissue pressure. It also goes beyond just focusing purely on these regions but it takes into account where the reproductive organs lie and what needs to happen for them to move as little as possible during pregnancy/childbirth.

Such massage is a gentle and therapeutic treatment performed on moms-to-be, usually in the second or third trimester of their pregnancy. It has been shown to benefit both mom and baby by relieving pain and tension from the body, increasing lung capacity, stimulating body circulation, helping relieve anxiety, calming nerves before delivery or surgery, promoting bonding between mom and baby while also aiding in relaxation. While before childbirth, prenatal massage is suggested, postnatal massage is for after delivering the baby.

Being able to relax during pregnancy is very important in improving mother-baby bonding, preparing for delivery, reducing the risk of postpartum depression, and dramatically reducing pre-existing medical conditions. Research shows that being relaxed enables moms to more effectively deal with labor while also reducing the stress that she puts on her baby.

Benefits Of Prenatal Massage

1. Improves Circulation

Massage reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia by 60%. The more blood that gets through the body, the lower the chances of it clogging up and causing a mother’s immune system to attack her baby during pregnancy. Massage also increases blood flow throughout your whole body. It enables the blood to circulate properly and lets the body’s organs strengthen up and work in harmony. This is very important for the child’s health and well-being.

2. Balances Body Fluid Levels

Many women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and some experience morning sickness for as long as they are pregnant. Some of these symptoms can be alleviated with a prenatal massage. The increased circulation that a massage can help you achieve is going to help your body retain the right amount of fluid, which will prevent you from experiencing these symptoms. The reduction in fluids also helps greatly during the postpartum period.

3. Sound Night's Sleep

During pregnancy, it’s normal for women to experience insomnia but it doesn’t have to be like this. This is especially common during the first few months of development of the baby. However, sleep deprivation can cause you to become physically ill and emotionally unstable. This massage will help you achieve the rest that your body needs so that you can remain in good health throughout your pregnancy. A relaxing massage also requires you to remain still for an extended period of time, which will help your mind and body relax enough to fall asleep. Your muscles are relaxed greatly and tissues are continuously repaired which lets you sleep soundly at night and get the rest you need.

4. Reduce Stress And Tension

While pregnancy is not necessarily thought of as a stressful time in life, it certainly carries its own unique stresses and strains. A prenatal massage will help the pregnant mother to reduce the amount of stress that she is experiencing and with that relaxation will come less tension and anxiety. They may be tense about the changes they are experiencing or what lies in front of them. But a massage is a very effective way of reducing this stress and anxiety.

5. Easen Up Labour And Delivery

Even if you think you may not be experiencing much pain during childbirth, the reality is that it is extremely intense. According to the research, 1 out of 4 women who give birth in developed countries experience extreme pain during labour that would normally require prescription medication and the pain may continue even after delivery. However, because massage increases circulation and eases muscle tension, it can help ease the pain of childbirth.

6. Improved Bonding With Baby

The link between prenatal massage and improving the bonding with your baby is quite extensive, but the most important link is in how it impacts your stress level. This message has been known to reduce levels of anxiety during pregnancy, which in turn makes you more relaxed and therefore creates a healthier environment for your babies to grow. Such massage helps to improve the mother's bonding with the baby by reducing anxiety and stress, therefore improving the mother’s overall health.

To let you have the time of your life during pregnancy and make it a merry and comfortable experience, we at Medlife Massage provide professional and expert prenatal massages. Get an appointment with us today.