Pregnancy is a time of excitement and joy, but it’s also a time when your body goes through major changes. Some of these changes are positive, but others can be uncomfortable and even painful. If you’re looking for ways to ease some of the discomforts of pregnancy, prenatal massage may be a good option for you.
Safe and Effective: Exploring the Advantages of Prenatal Massage During Pregnancy
It’s generally safe to get a prenatal massage as long as your doctor approves it. However, it’s important to remember that the positioning of your body during massage is critical for safety. Your therapist will likely have you lie on your side with pillows, wedges or a full-length body pillow to support your pregnant belly and breasts. This position is the safest for you and your baby, as it allows for optimal circulation and fetal oxygenation. It also prevents compression of the vena cava, which can cause low blood pressure and nausea.
The most common request from pregnant women is for a massage focused on the lower back, hips and neck, which are areas that are often affected by the extra weight and swelling of pregnancy. A prenatal massage can decrease this pain, as well as the tension headaches that can accompany it. It can also help to alleviate the round ligament pain that some women experience, a condition caused by hormonal changes and the increased pressure on the uterus and associated tendons.
Other benefits of prenatal massage include improved sleep, fewer anxiety and depression symptoms, and reduced fatigue and stress. It can also increase the elasticity of the perineum (the area of muscle and skin between your anus and anus) which can reduce the chance of tearing or needing to have an episiotomy during delivery. And it can stimulate the production of prolactin, a hormone that helps to induce labor, according to some research.
When is Prenatal Massage Safe?
It is usually safe to have a prenatal massage at any point during the second trimester. But it’s not recommended for the first trimester, as it can trigger a miscarriage. Additionally, if you have certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia), a history of deep vein thrombosis or gestational diabetes, it’s usually best to wait until after your pregnancy to receive a prenatal massage.
If you’re considering a prenatal massage, talk to your obstetrician for guidance and approval. And if you have a health savings or flexible spending account, check to see if prenatal massage is covered! If it is, you can save money by getting a prenatal massage through your company or at a spa that specializes in prenatal treatments. Alternatively, you can pay for a massage out of your own funds, but make sure to keep receipts. This way you can claim the expenses on your taxes at the end of the year. If you need a prenatal massage therapist in Atlanta visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.