For all the mothers-to-be it is said that the more relaxed and stress-free pregnant mothers are, the more healthy children they can expect. Prenatal massage for women who are pregnant with their child is the best way to give your body some relaxation and relief.
Massage can provide relief from painful muscles and swollen joints during pregnancy. There are several reasons why you should incorporate massage into your everyday life, whether it be a brief foot rub from your partner or a professional prenatal massage. It not only relaxes your muscles and makes you feel great, but it also has a number of health advantages.
Below are 5 therapeutic advantages of prenatal massage that are often overlooked.
1. Massage Helps Regulate Hormones
Massage treatment has been found in studies over the last ten years to drastically modify hormone levels related to relaxation and stress when added to women’s prenatal care. This results in enhanced mood regulation and cardiovascular health.
Chemicals such as norepinephrine and cortisol (chemicals linked with stress) were lowered, while dopamine and serotonin levels were elevated (low levels of these hormones are related to depression) in women who had bi-weekly massages for only five weeks.
2. Massage Reduces Swelling in Muscles
Swelling of the feet, legs, and hands during pregnancy is frequently caused by decreased circulation and increased strain on the major blood vessels. Prenatal massage for women can help stimulate the soft tissue, shift excess fluid, and reduce swelling, leaving you feeling more at ease.
3. Massage Reduces Lower Back Pain
By targeting the tight muscles in the afflicted area, pregnancy massage alleviates lower back discomfort, including sciatic nerve pain. Prenatal massage facilitates blood flow and helps to relieve pregnancy-related stress.
4. Massage Can Improve Your Sleep
Getting enough sleep gets increasingly difficult as your pregnancy advances. Prenatal massage soothes the nervous system and stimulates the production of feel-good hormones. This will calm you and allow you to sleep.
5. Prenatal Massage Boosts Connection and Bonding
In addition to the physical benefits, prenatal massage promotes a stronger emotional bond between the mother and her unborn child. The calm surroundings and soothing touch offer a peaceful setting for the mother to bond with the life growing within. This shared experience fosters a good and harmonious bond that lasts beyond the massage session.
It is important that you seek the services of a professional prenatal massage therapist. Certified therapists have undergone training that goes above and beyond the national criteria for massage therapists and are familiar with special pregnancy and therapy needs.
They understand how to position you securely while avoiding tension on the uterine ligaments. They can also detect indications of blood clots and varicose veins. Therefore, always place your trust in professionals while seeking prenatal massage therapy.