Prenatal Massage Therapy: Easing Pain & Promoting Relaxation During Pregnancy is an expanded and thoroughly updated revision of Carole Osborne’s trailblazing book first published in 1998 and trusted by practitioners worldwide. This comprehensive guide offers a wealth of practical information on safely and effectively supporting pregnant clients with the most advanced bodywork techniques. It is an essential resource for students and teachers of prenatal massage and provides a strong foundation to build a successful maternity practice.
Pregnancy is a very special time for a woman, but it is also often physically uncomfortable and stressful. Many women experience back and hip pain, leg cramping, swollen ankles and feet and general fatigue. Pregnancy massage relieves these symptoms and also increases energy and overall comfort.
In addition, research has shown that prenatal massage can reduce anxiety and depression in expecting mothers. Massage has been shown to stimulate the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin, which can help to alleviate mood swings associated with pregnancy and encourage a sense of calmness and well-being.
As a result, the benefits of prenatal massage are numerous and far-reaching. It is a safe treatment for most expectant moms, provided they are past their first trimester and have the approval of their doctor.
A certified prenatal massage therapist is trained to position the client in ways that are safe and comfortable for her and the baby. The side-lying position is recommended for most pregnant clients to ensure placental and fetal circulation, as well as prevent supine hypotensive syndrome (low blood pressure in the legs due to compression of the vena cava). The therapist will use pillows for support and may adjust pressure on the abdomen to avoid putting stress on the lower back muscles and lumbar spine.
Pregnancy massage can help to alleviate nerve impingement, which is common in the third trimester as the uterus becomes larger and puts pressure on nerves. It can also help to ease the discomfort of symphysis pubis separation, abdominal pressure, constipation, heartburn and esophageal reflux. It is also beneficial in preparing the pelvic muscles for labor and delivery by helping to increase elasticity of the ligaments, and in reducing the likelihood of edema or varicose veins by increasing lymph flow.
In addition, prenatal massage can be helpful in preparing for birth by helping to facilitate a more natural labor and delivery by improving supine posture and assisting with breathing during contractions, as well as reducing the likelihood of needing an epidural or cesarean section. It can also increase the elasticity of the hip and knee joints, as well as the wrist flexors and forearm muscles, which can be very tight and sore during pregnancy. It can also be helpful in preventing a postpartum hemorrhage by boosting the mother’s hematocrit levels to normalize after bleeding. It can also speed up the recovery from a cesarean section by helping to reduce swelling and aid in digestion and bowel movements. Pregnant women can explore these options to find an Atlanta pregnancy massage therapy provider who aligns with their personal comfort and wellness goals, ensuring that their massage experience is not only physically beneficial but also a rejuvenating treat in preparation for motherhood. For more details visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.