Prenatal Massage - What Are The Benefits To An Expecting Mother And Child?

Ah-- the joys of having your baby!

What's frustrating though is that along with your baby come unwelcome side effects like aching lower back pain, hips, legs, migraines, swollen ankles & lets not forget about the morning sickness.

What if I shared with you there was a massage therapy exactly for women who are pregnant that is designed to reduce some of the discomfort related with carrying a child and even facilitate their labor and delivery?

Often, soon to be moms don't necessarily get it that their bones structure is now not only carrying them...but it's also supporting their little one too. This additional weight can have serious effects on your system.

A professional prenatal massage therapist can direct those muscles that have been exhausted to relieve some of the tension and strain associated with carrying a child.

This soothing technique can be exactly what you need when you are dealing with the overwhelming amount of emotions and hormones associated with expecting a child.

Do Doctors Have Any Comments On This?

You might find it noteworthy that recent studies at the University of Miami, School of Medicine, show that just 20 minutes of massage twice a week for five weeks:

a) Lessens stress hormones in your body,

b) Improves those frustrating mood swings

c) Facilitates & promote better sleep

d) Lessens your anxiety and back pain.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg...these studies report expecting moms who received regular massages during their pregnancy:

繚 Had lower rates of premature birth,

繚 Fewer obstetrical challenges,

繚 Babies had fewer of postnatal difficulties.

What Are The Additional Benefits Of Prenatal Massage Therapy That Come To Both A Pregnant Women And Unborn Child?

Research show that they prenatal massage may:

a) Lessen the nervousness, anxiety & depression associated with the hormonal changes brought about by pregnancy.

b) Diminish stress on lower back, pelvis, and ankles which are not used to carrying a baby

c) Reduce back, shoulder neck pain caused by your muscles being out of whack.

d) Increase your blood and lymph circulation, which in turn helps to lower swelling and actually assists the baby's oxygen supply.

e) Unwind muscle knots that cause cramping, tightening, and tautness.

f) Reduce your aches and pain and simultaneously encourage relaxation, which can believe it or not actually facilitate your labor

g) Assist muscle and skin tone

h) Help you sleep deeper so you don't have to wake up exhausted in the morning

Do Doctors Urge It For All Women That Are Having A Baby?

Most experts counsel that you wait until your second trimester so that your body can get used to the pregnancy.

Prenatal massage is perfectly safe during your second and third trimester. What you will probably find is that the further along you are...the more you'll enjoy the benefits!

Of course when you are pregnant, you should always review with your doctor before beginning any new treatment or procedure. If they see no reason why you shouldn't begin, ask around to see if anyone you know has a good massage therapist that specializes in prenatal therapy. You will most certainly be glad that you did.