Four Benefits Of Massage For Pregnant Women
Like any other massage, massage for pregnant women aims to relax the body and soul, relieve pain and make the pregnant woman achieve greater well-being. However, are you aware of its benefits?
Massage for pregnant women
The only difference between a regular massage and massage for pregnant women is that the latter is ideal for pregnant women. This type of massage thus takes into account that there are special reservations and changes that take place in a pregnant woman. The professional therefore adapts the techniques to them.
This means that masseurs for pregnant women take into account that during a pregnancy the weight distribution will change, which causes greater pressure on the neck, back and shoulders. The same goes for the lower back, which is more strained during these months due to the weight gain.
Overall, the purpose of massage for pregnant women is to relieve the muscles and body parts to reduce discomfort and pain. Like any other massage, its purpose is also to make the person feel better, relax and release stress and tension.
The benefits of massage for pregnant women
1. It lowers the levels of stress and anxiety
Several studies have been able to confirm the effectiveness of massage for pregnant women in terms of reducing the levels of stress and anxiety in pregnant women. Pregnant volunteers who received a 20-minute massage for five weeks reported less stress from the first massage.
The group of pregnant women who had received these massages indicated that their mood had improved, their anxiety levels were lower and they enjoyed a more restful sleep. In addition, these benefits are also associated with lower rates of postpartum depression.
2. It reduces back pain
One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is back and lower back pain. Weight gain and the weight of the baby can strain the muscles, causing pregnant women to experience aches and pains.
The baby’s development also causes the uterus to grow in size and the weight distribution will change. The posture of pregnant women therefore also changes. As a result, the muscles in the back and lower back become overworked.
In that sense, massage for pregnant women can help reduce the excessive exertion of these muscles and make them relax. Some studies show that the use of this type of massage can help reduce low back pain.
3. It reduces pain in feet and legs
As with back pain, many pregnant women also experience sore legs and feet. This is especially common in the last trimester. During pregnancy, blood flow increases and weight gain presses on veins and arteries. This then affects the blood flow.
Adding fluid retention and fatigue to this, it is normal for pregnant women to experience tired legs and even cramps.
To avoid this discomfort, it is best to maintain normal fluid levels and go for avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. Doctors also recommend that you practice relaxation techniques and stretch the affected muscles.
In that sense, massage for pregnant women helps reduce the problems. This is because they achieve general relaxation of all the muscles, including those in the legs.
Massage for pregnant women reduces the risk of premature birth
Depression and anxiety during pregnancy can lead to more fetal activity and a higher risk of preterm birth. Some studies show that massage for pregnant women can lower cortisol levels. Fortunately, this can lead to lower levels of stress and anxiety and relief from depression.
Depressed, pregnant women who received massage indicated less fetal activity and a lower rate of premature births. In addition, the benefits are not limited to the mother. The newborns whose mothers had been massaged during pregnancy also had lower cortisol levels!
Reservations regarding massage for pregnant women
Although massage for pregnant women has many benefits and generally does not involve any health risks, doctors do not recommend them in several cases:
- In pregnancies with multiple fetuses or greater risks.
- In pregnant women with high blood pressure or pregnant women with heart problems or blood clots.
- If there is vaginal bleeding or release of the placenta.
- If the pregnant woman vomits, has a fever or diarrhea.
Therefore, when it comes to deciding if you should get a massage as a pregnant woman, you should:
- Talk to your doctor about whether or not it is a good idea in your case. Ask them about the best type of massage for you and where you should get it.
- Always go to a specialist in this type of massage. Only specialists know how to perform this type of massage, what areas are being massaged, what pressure to use and in what position it is performed.
