The Many Benefits of Prenatal Massage Therapy
The female body goes through many changes during pregnancy, driven by hormones and the developing fetus. These changes may cause fatigue, mental stress, spasms, muscle and joint discomfort and other types of discomfort. To minimize the impact of these issues, prenatal massage is a tried and tested technique.The American Pregnancy Association has also pointed out that “Modern investigation and research has shown that prenatal massage therapy can be an instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal care and should be given careful consideration.”
Listed below are some of the benefits that can be experienced only with Pregnancy Massage Therapy.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage Therapy.
Reduces Swelling:
Edema is one of the most common conditions among pregnant women that causes swelling. This is caused due to dehydration in the body. In response to this deficiency, the body starts accumulating water in the tissues of the body, causing feet, thighs, hands, and face to be swollen. Massage stimulates the tissues that help in circulation of fluids in swollen joints. This further helps in the removal of tissue waste carried by the body’s lymph system.
Reduces Nerve Pain:
Carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatic nerve pain are among the most common nerve-related issues that pregnant women face. This mostly occurs in the third trimester. Massage helps in the reduction of inflammation in nerves. The cascading effects of nerve pain are also minimized with massage therapy.
Avoids Depression:
It is proven that massage therapy reduces the production of stress-stimulating hormones such as cortisol and norepinephrine and increases levels of dopamine and serotonin, which help in building happy feelings.
Increases circulation:
Most pregnant women face many physical challenges that arise due to poor circulation of blood. Pregnancy massage therapy helps control blood pressure and also helps in circulation of blood and oxygen for the fetus.
Reduces muscle tension and spasms:
Muscle tension and spasms in pregnant women occur due to weak muscles, deficiencies and poor circulation of oxygen & blood. All these factors are relieved to different degrees with prenatal massage. It also helps in avoiding cramps, stiffness and other physical tensions.
Relieves Sinusitis and Headaches:
The increased flow of blood to the mucous membranes causes sinusitis or headaches among pregnant women. Prenatal massage includes acupressure strokes that can relieve women of these conditions during pregnancy.
Enhances Sleep:
The right amount of sleep is very critical for pregnant women. It is only during sleep that some hormones, which help the positive growth of the fetus and proper functioning of the mother’s endocrine system, are released. Sleep also provides the required rest that the different mental and physical systems need to rejuvenate.
Many other benefits, unique to each pregnant woman, are experienced after a mom massage session. While some carry scientific evidence, few others are specific to each case. Many women have also experienced an easy labor as an after effect of prenatal massage with a combination of other prenatal care.
