What exactly is a Pre-natal massage? Prenatal massages are massages for women having an ongoing pregnancy done by professionally trained therapists that aims to benefit the soon to be mums in a slew of ways that would aid in the overall process running up to the stage of actual labor process and eventual child birthing. Much contrary to myths and beliefs that having a pre natal massage is both bad and dangerous for an ongoing pregnancy, a properly done pre-natal massage can be helpful in many ways which could aid in benefiting both the mother and baby by ensuring a smoother transition during the child birthing process. Prenatal massages are generally safe after the first trimester of the pregnancy stages or after the first 16 weeks (in which period has a higher risk of miscarriage); running up till about 2-3 weeks prior to the delivery date.
Pre natal massages for a pregnant women differs much from the regular massages one may have encountered; where not only the massage techniques used and pressure points targeted differs; even the basic equipment used and posture adopted by the massage subject may be largely different from the traditional ones. For a pre natal massage to be carried out proper, one has first identify what is the outstanding difference between a pregnant women and a normal person? Well it could not get any obvious then the bulging stomach of a pregnant women right? In the case of orchestrating a pre natal massage session specially for a pregnant women, a special massaging table with crevices or cushioning systems in the mid section of the table will be used to allow the resting of the protruding stomach during the session when lying face down. Though more often than not, a side down lying position will be usually advised, together with a careful positioning of cushions and pillows to make a pleasant and comfortable massaging experience for you.
Benefits In Getting Pre Natal Massages
Reduces Swelling
Swelling in extremities and joints of a pregnant person is common and may occur anytime during a person's pregnancy period. It is also known as fluid retention or edema where there would be a noticeable increased in size of the facial features; legs; hands or joints of a pregnant person; where they are relatively easy to spot. The occurrence of such abnormality is due to an increased in the total blood flow and body fluids during the period of pregnancy, where is it said to be as high as up to 50% more than the usual times prior to the start of pregnancy. This increase is in line with the purpose of catering to the needs of both the growing fetus within and the pregnant mother herself. Getting a prenatal massage done would lessen the overall muscle tensions around the swelling regions and aids in dispensing of the excess water retention in the affected surrounding joints and limbs. A well done prenatal massage at this stage is extremely useful to the mother in terms of putting her at ease and hence has positive calming nerves effects on user.
Fights Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain, or also known as sciatica, is a common occurrence for most if not all pregnant women during the period of pregnancy. As one advances in her pregnancy stages, the weight one has to carry slowly increases. This increment in overall weight signifies a heavier load the spine has to carry or support. At the same time the growing fetus and expanding uterus within a mother's body puts on an overall increased pressure on the nerves and blood vessels at the back near to the pelvis section. All these contributes significantly to the development of the commonly seen back pain in pregnant women. Good pre natal massages applied will ease inflamed nerves sites and relieves muscle tensions surrounding the affected area. This in turn promotes a better sleep and overall higher quality of rest for someone pregnant and in which that should relieve and helps in a reduction in the overall general discomfort that may arise during the course of pregnancy.
Promotes Relaxation & Reduces Stress
Getting a prenatal massage done for a pregnant women is a relaxing and comfortable time of experience amidst the physically and mentally stressing period of time. A pre natal massage done properly would be beneficial in aiding towards relieving tensions and reducing stresses amongst pressure points and muscle groups within a pregnant women. Pain relieves on sore points and common aches that derives during the stage pregnancy could provide much comfort to the beneficiary which in turn should improves sleep and provides a better rest that aids in the overall improvement in the well being of both the mother and unborn child within during the period of pregnancy.
Preparing For Labor
Pre natal massages helps significantly in a person's preparation prior to going into a labor process. It's a combination of all good things that derives from a trusted and simple pre natal massage; which more than always helps in the setting up of the perfect conditions running up to the successful delivery of a baby. The relieving of muscle tensions; reduction of sores and aches around the body; the betterment of psychological wellbeing; the lessening of stresses and worries; resulting better sleep and gratifying sufficient rest. All these points and leads to a better, proper and primed state of both physically and the psychological mindset of the mother-to-be going into the delivery suite. As always. all good things comes with great results, more often than not. Do you now still think that getting a pre natal massage is not as significant as we tout?