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The Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy . . .
Did you know that during pregnancy, the heart increases total blood volume by 30 to 50 percent, the lungs increase oxygen consumption, which then requires increase of inhaled air; the digestive system must handle increased food intake while it becomes displaced by the ever shrinking available space. Blood flow in the kidneys increases and filtering function increases. Increased urination and urine leakage result from pressure on the bladder by the uterus. Rashes, breakouts, and discoloration can plague the skin. Weight gain increases the curvature of the lumbar spine and stress on the bones and joints. Relaxin, a hormone that makes the ligaments more stretchable causes the joints to become less stable.
There are a lot of changes happening in the body. A lot! Massage has the ability to help in so many ways. Benefits of regular massages during pregnancy may include**:
There are a lot of changes happening in the body. A lot! Massage has the ability to help in so many ways. Benefits of regular massages during pregnancy may include**:
- Elimination of waste products through the lymphatic & circulatory system, which combats fatigue.
- Increased circulation and reduced stress on the heart which keep blood pressure in check.
- Alleviation of muscle tightness, stiffness, tension, and cramping.
- Relief from headaches, stiff neck, backaches, sciatica, edema, and sore feet.
- An increase in oxygen and nutrients to the cells of mother and fetus; which means mom has more energy and fetus receives better nourishment.
- Stabilization of hormone levels.
- Increased flexibility of muscles.
- Relaxation and better sleep; which means a healthier and happier mom.
- Relaxation of muscles to improve rotation of breech presentation.
- Preparation and loosening of the pelvis before birth.
- An easier childbirth.
- Easier breastfeeding and better milk production due to reduction in tension.
- Speedier healing during postpartum recovery.
- Realignment of pelvis after birth.
- Relief from soreness and stiffness after childbirth.
- Speedier recovery after a cesarean birth
** Information from Expectant Mother's Guide
Lots of folks offer prenatal massage without having gone through specialized training; the thought is that a pregnant women's massage shouldn't be any different from the massage that non pregnant clients receive. The body undergoes so many physiological changes during pregnancy that the one massage fits all perspective just isn't accurate. When choosing a provider for prenatal massage PLEASE make sure that the provider is specifically trained for prenatal and postpartum massage! Know that the folks at Enable Joy are extensively trained in MotherMassageR, which includes prenatal and postpartum techniques, as well as labor support techniques.
