There is a lot of happiness during pregnancy, right? But it also comes with some physical and emotional challenges.
A lot of pregnant women have back pain, swollen feet, stress, and muscle tightness because their bodies are changing so quickly. Maternity and prenatal massage are safe and effective ways to ease pain, help you relax, and improve your general health while pregnant.
In this guide, we will discuss the benefits of pregnancy massage, how to find a skilled prenatal massage therapist, and what to expect from massages during and after pregnancy.
What is a Maternity Massage?
A maternity massage is a special kind of treatment made just for pregnant women to help with pain, stress, and blood flow. It considers a pregnant woman’s unique needs and ensures that the methods used are safe for both the mother and the baby.
A prenatal massage therapist knows how to change the pressure, position, and techniques to fit a growing belly while ensuring the client is as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
What is a Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage is a type of pregnancy massage tailored to the needs of women in their second and third trimesters. Unlike regular massages, it doesn’t use deep pressure on specific areas. Instead, it uses gentle, soothing methods to ease the pain of pregnancy.
For added ease, many women get a pregnancy massage at home, where they can relax in a familiar space.
Benefits of Maternity and Prenatal Massage
1. Relieves Back and Joint Pain
Hormonal changes cause muscles and joints to loosen, which can be painful as the body prepares for birth. A pregnancy back massage can help with lower back pain, hip pain, and muscle tightness.
2. Reduces Swelling and Improves Circulation
Legs, feet, and hands often get swollen during pregnancy because the body holds on to more water. Remedial massage during pregnancy improves blood flow and lowers swelling.
3. Eases Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety and stress can commonly happen during pregnancy. A maternity massage lowers cortisol levels and raises serotonin and dopamine levels. These are the hormones that make you feel good and happy.
4. Enhances Sleep Quality
A lot of women who are pregnant have trouble sleeping. A prenatal massage helps the body relax, boosts circulation, and prepares the body for deep sleep.
5. Prepares the Body for Labor
A pregnancy massage once a week can help strengthen the body and make it more flexible, making labor and delivery go more smoothly.
How is Prenatal Massage Performed?
A prenatal massage therapist uses a method to ensure the safety and comfort of her client and the baby are safe. The therapist also protects the pregnant woman’s stomach from being pressed; she is usually laid on her side with support cushions under her body. The therapist focuses on the back, legs, feet, and shoulders but doesn’t put too much pressure on sensitive areas.
They use light touches and pressure to relax muscles and improve blood flow. Some therapists also use deep breathing to help people relax and get more air into their bodies.
A woman who wants a more private experience can get a pregnancy massage at home. A trained therapist can provide the same benefits in a familiar and safe setting.
Post-Pregnancy Massage: Why is it Important?
It takes time for the body to heal after giving birth. A postpartum massage can help new moms get more vigorous and less stressed postpartum. Here is how:
1. Helps with Postpartum Recovery
A postpartum massage promotes healing by increasing blood flow, lowering swelling, and relieving labor-related muscle pain.
2. Relieves Shoulder and Back Pain
When you breastfeed, lift, and move your baby, you can put a lot of stress on your muscles. A pregnancy back massage can help ease tension in the back and shoulders.
3. Balances Hormones and Reduces Stress
Mood swings and other mental changes can happen after giving birth because of changes in hormones. Massage treatment helps keep these hormones in balance and makes you feel calm.
4. Supports Better Sleep
New moms often don’t get enough sleep. A postpartum massage helps the body relax, which makes it easier to rest and heal.
Choosing the Right Prenatal Massage Therapist
Ensuring the prenatal massage therapist you choose has the right experience and certification in maternity and pregnancy remedial massage methods is essential.
A trained therapist knows how to keep the mother and baby safe when setting and applying pressure. Many professionals offer pregnancy massages at home, which is better for women who want to be pampered and alone while pregnant.
You can find a skilled and trustworthy doctor by reading reviews and asking other pregnant women for advice.
How Maternity Massage Differs from Traditional Massage
A maternity massage differs from a regular one in several ways. It’s designed to help with the pain of pregnancy, uses light strokes instead of heavy pressure, and requires the mother and baby to be in a particular position for optimum safety.
Unlike a deep tissue or sports massage, a pregnancy remedial massage doesn’t touch areas that might hurt or cause contractions. On the other hand, post-pregnancy massage helps women relax and recover from labor and other tasks after giving birth.
Safety Tips for Maternity and Prenatal Massage
For women who are thinking about getting a pregnancy massage, it’s important to remember these safety tips:
- Consult Your Doctor: Before you schedule a relax massage, you should always check with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant with a high-risk baby.
- Choose a Certified Therapist: Work with a trained prenatal massage therapist who knows what to do and how to stay safe during pregnancy.
- Avoid Certain Pressure Points: Avoid pressure points near the feet, which may cause contractions.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after your massage to help flush out toxins and stay hydrated.
Wrapping Up
A maternity or prenatal massage is an excellent way for pregnant women to reduce stress, ease muscle pain, and improve their general health. Regular massages can make your pregnancy more manageable and more comfortable, whether you get a pregnancy massage at home (because it’s more convenient) or go to a trained prenatal massage therapist.
An after-pregnancy massage also helps heal and relax after giving birth, giving new moms more energy and balance.
If you are expecting or have just given birth, add pregnancy remedial massage to your fitness routine for a healthier and more relaxing experience.