Pregnancy
Massage
Massage from a
qualified practitioner during pregnancy will complement the care you are
recieving from your doctor and other healthcare providers by focussing on the
well-being of you and your baby.
Massage can assist in alleviating both the physical and
emotional stresses of pregnancy.
Massage aids relaxation
which has positive benefits for both mother and baby and increases the chance
of a positive birth experience.
Postnatal massage will
help the mother to recover after the birth which can be physically traumatic for
both mother and baby. Unresolved stresses from giving birth may contribute to
ongoing back and other health problems - massage can help to allevaite some of
these problems.
Benefits of massage during pregnancy
include:
-
Emotional support and nurturing
touch
-
Relaxation and
decresed insomnia
-
Stress relief
on weight-bearing joints, such ankles,lower back and pelvis
-
Relief of neck
and back pain caused by muscle imbalance and weakness
-
Assistance in
maintaining proper posture
-
Preparing the
muscles used during childbirth
-
Reduced
swelling in the hands and feet
-
Improved
circulation
-
Reduced sciatic
pain
-
Fewer calf
cramps
-
Relief of headache and sinus
congestion
Testimonial: I have regularly seen Sally for years, including
both my pregnancies, to keep my tight neck, shoulder and lower back muscles in
check. Having 2 small children and working in IT I tend to get rather tight and
knotty in my neck and if it’s not resolved I can get headaches. I see a trip to
Sally as a treat and although I love it, I refer to it as a “pummel” not a massage; without it I wouldn’t be able to function. Sally is now really a friend and we
casually chat during my sessions about our lives and families. Also being a
qualified nurse made my choice of seeing her in the first place more reputable.
S.L. May 2011
FAQ's about
Pregnancy Massage:
Is pregnancy massage safe?
Massage throughout pregnancy is usually safe for most
mothers. Your therapist will ask you about any problems or complications with
your pregnancy before you begin and may require approval or consent from your
primary health care provider before proceeding with any bodywork.
Can massage
cause a miscarriage? No. Miscarriages are nearly always due to a problem with the
health or development of the baby or placenta.Your massage therapist is trained to recognise symptoms that
may require urgent medical attention and if she notices any problems that the
medical staff need to be aware of, she may ask you to tell your
midwife.
How is pregnancy massage
done? Pregnancy
massage can be done in different ways depending upon the stage of pregnancy and
your health and preference.
However, after
the first 22 weeks of pregnancy, lying flat on your back can cause pressure on
deep blood vessels, thereby reducing circulation to you and your baby. To avoid
this problem, the therapist will position you lying on your side for the massage.
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