During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes many changes, some of them stressful and uncomfortable. Massage is a perfect way to reduce stress and promote general well-being.
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Massage helps mom's body to eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which combats fatigue and helps the mother feel more energetic.
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By aiding circulation, massage eases the load on mom's heart and helps to keep her blood pressure in check.
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Muscular discomforts, such as cramping, tightening, stiffness, tension, and knots, can all be alleviated.
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Massage helps carry away the lactic acid and other cellular waste products that build up and cause muscle fatigue.
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Massage can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes mom is experiencing.
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Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts during pregnancy, such as backaches, a stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, edema, and sore, swollen ankles and feet.
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Massage increases local and general blood circulation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and fetus. This means greater vitality and less fatigue for mom and better nourishment for her baby.
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Massage stimulates glandular secretions, which helps stabilize hormone levels.
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Massage can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes mom is experiencing.
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It relaxes tense muscles and tones loose muscles, and can also increase muscular flexibility. Flexibility will be most helpful during the last trimester and during the birth itself.
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Massage helps to soothe and relax nervous tension, which helps the mother sleep more easily and more deeply. Incidentally, doctors all agree that a relaxed mother will have a happier, healthier pregnancy and possibly an easier childbirth experience, too.
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Massage can be used during the birth to make it easier and more comfortable for mom, and after the birth as well, to help her regain her strength more quickly and ease postpartum stress.
Of course, there are many emotional benefits of a massage besides just the physical benefits. Not only is a massage relaxing, comforting and healing, it is also an expression of caring.
To continue to maintain the affects of the treatment - this massage can be easily taught to your partner, as well as being given whilst you are in labour.
