Pregnancy can be one of the most wonderful times in a woman’s life, and for some, it’s a walk in the park, while others struggle through most or even all of it. Although pregnancy can be a magical time, there’s no doubt, the physical and emotional challenges can be intense!
Finding a comfortable resting or sleeping position tops the list for many mothers-to-be. Low back aches are common after standing too long. Everyone says rest, but there are so many things to do before the baby comes. And don’t even think about making plans too far away from a bathroom as your bladder becomes increasingly compressed as the baby grows.
The Benefits
My pregnancy with twins was one of the most challenging times of my life. I was in maternity pants at 6 weeks, had terrible morning sickness the whole first and third trimesters, and was put on bedrest multiple times for a variety of uncomfortable reasons. By the third trimester I was so big around I could hardly move. Yes, it was a joyous and happy occasion to finally be pregnant with my two babies, but it was no easy task to carry them and keep them (and myself) healthy. I continued giving massages for as long as I could, finally taking the last trimester off as I couldn’t reach past my belly!
But what kept me as comfortable as possible in my ever-changing body? You guessed it. I received regular prenatal massages. Prenatal massage offers benefits for many women including relieving depression and anxiety, easing achy and sore spots, decreasing swelling, increasing circulation, decreasing stress, and offering an overall feeling of relaxation and peace to mama and baby.
Maximize the Benefits
While deep tissue work may have been your preference before pregnancy, your pregnant body does not need deep pressure to create positive change or relief in your tissues. All those pregnancy hormones are helping your ligaments loosen, which is one reason why certain body parts begin to complain. But this loosening also means your body will respond well to less pressure during your prenatal massage.
As long as you are experiencing a normal pregnancy with no major health issues, it is perfectly safe for you to receive regular massages. Even women early in their first trimester and past their due dates can safely receive prenatal massage during a typical pregnancy. Wondering whether prenatal massage is right for you? Call us directly for more information.
At Balanced Massage we use a maternity support system that allows most pregnant women to comfortably and safely lie face down and stay propped face up during a massage. And if that doesn’t work for you, we can fully support you and your belly in a comfortable side-lying position during your massage instead. Don’t wait to find relief during your pregnancy, schedule your prenatal massage with us today.