Everything You Need to Know about Pregnancy Massages
If you are an expectant mother, you know just how taxing pregnancy can be on the body. Pregnancy massage therapy is becoming a prenatal care trend among mothers-to-be. The body goes through many changes during pregnancy and with it comes aches, pain, swelling, and physical stress. Pregnancy massage offers expectant mothers natural relief from these symptoms.
Not many women are familiar or aware of this type of massage because it is still a new trend. Here is an explanation of what it is, what its benefits are, the safety precautions you need to know before having it done, and what makes a good prenatal massage therapist.
When you get a pregnancy massage, your therapist will usually lay you on your side. She will then position you carefully using supportive cushions. These cushions will reduce pressure on your pelvic area and lower back. Your therapist will implement a variety of techniques depending on your personal needs. You will receive gentle massaging to help loosen up all your tense spots. Your muscles are working overtime to not only support you but your growing baby as well. Your muscles will really benefit from the healing properties that a massage can provide.
Your Orem area message therapist will use modified techniques to ensure your comfort and safety during the session. She will massage your arms, back, legs, shoulders, and feet. Many women carry a lot of tension in their shoulders during pregnancy. They also have a lot of pressure on their lower backs. Mothers-to-be often need special attention to their calves, where they tend to have cramps from baby-weight stress. When you go in for your pregnancy massage, all you need to do is lie still, close your eyes, and experience 60 minutes of total relaxation.
Pregnancy massage can be very beneficial for an expecting mother. However, you should get a massage only by a therapist certified in prenatal massages. Sometimes your doctor may advise you to wait until you're past your first trimester before getting a massage.
It's always best to check with your doctor to make sure you don't have any potentially dangerous conditions such as preeclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension, or a high risk pregnancy. You will also want to avoid a massage if you've experienced a preterm labor in any previous pregnancy. Also, depending on where you are in your pregnancy, it may not be safe for you to lie on your back. This could cause compression of important blood vessels so be sure your therapist properly positions you before she begins.
You want to be sure you only allow a therapist who has been specifically trained to massage expectant mothers to work on you. A good therapist will use gentle massage techniques. Your therapist will need to carefully avoid certain pressure points because of your pregnant condition. She should be vigilant in checking in with you to make sure she isn't going too deep or touching any sensitive areas you may have. She should also be aware of your positioning to ensure you are securely propped for optimum safety and comfort.
Getting a pregnancy massage can be a blissful experience that any expectant mother would enjoy. It will help you unwind and find your inner Zen. If you would like to reap all the amazing benefits of a soothing pregnancy massage, look for a spa near you in Orem to massage you into pure relaxation.
Not many women are familiar or aware of this type of massage because it is still a new trend. Here is an explanation of what it is, what its benefits are, the safety precautions you need to know before having it done, and what makes a good prenatal massage therapist.
What It Is
When you get a pregnancy massage, your therapist will usually lay you on your side. She will then position you carefully using supportive cushions. These cushions will reduce pressure on your pelvic area and lower back. Your therapist will implement a variety of techniques depending on your personal needs. You will receive gentle massaging to help loosen up all your tense spots. Your muscles are working overtime to not only support you but your growing baby as well. Your muscles will really benefit from the healing properties that a massage can provide.
Your Orem area message therapist will use modified techniques to ensure your comfort and safety during the session. She will massage your arms, back, legs, shoulders, and feet. Many women carry a lot of tension in their shoulders during pregnancy. They also have a lot of pressure on their lower backs. Mothers-to-be often need special attention to their calves, where they tend to have cramps from baby-weight stress. When you go in for your pregnancy massage, all you need to do is lie still, close your eyes, and experience 60 minutes of total relaxation.
What Are the Benefits
- Increases blood circulation
- Eases muscle tension
- Relieves muscle cramps
- Helps prevent muscle spasms
- Helps maintain blood pressure
- Helps alleviate swelling
- Relieves pains and aches
- Releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin to help combat pain
- Reduces sciatic pain
- Relaxes the lower back from increased strain
- Helps promote better alignment and posture
- Activates lymphatic circulation to help rid the body of toxins
- Helps lower stress levels
- Aides in alleviating depression
- Helps regulate hormonal levels
- Relaxes the body to ease insomnia
What Are Important Safety Precautions
Pregnancy massage can be very beneficial for an expecting mother. However, you should get a massage only by a therapist certified in prenatal massages. Sometimes your doctor may advise you to wait until you're past your first trimester before getting a massage.
It's always best to check with your doctor to make sure you don't have any potentially dangerous conditions such as preeclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension, or a high risk pregnancy. You will also want to avoid a massage if you've experienced a preterm labor in any previous pregnancy. Also, depending on where you are in your pregnancy, it may not be safe for you to lie on your back. This could cause compression of important blood vessels so be sure your therapist properly positions you before she begins.
What Makes a Good Therapist
You want to be sure you only allow a therapist who has been specifically trained to massage expectant mothers to work on you. A good therapist will use gentle massage techniques. Your therapist will need to carefully avoid certain pressure points because of your pregnant condition. She should be vigilant in checking in with you to make sure she isn't going too deep or touching any sensitive areas you may have. She should also be aware of your positioning to ensure you are securely propped for optimum safety and comfort.
Getting a pregnancy massage can be a blissful experience that any expectant mother would enjoy. It will help you unwind and find your inner Zen. If you would like to reap all the amazing benefits of a soothing pregnancy massage, look for a spa near you in Orem to massage you into pure relaxation.
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