Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is the prenatal use of massage therapy to support the physiologic, structural, and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. Various forms of massage therapy, including relaxation massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, and Cranio Sacral Therapy may be applied throughout pregnancy as well as during labor and the postpartum period. Profound physiologic, functional, emotional, relational, and lifestyle changes occur during gestation and labor, often creating high stress levels. Too much stress can negatively affect maternal and infant health.
Massage therapy can help an expectant mother to:

   * approach her due date with less anxiety
   * lessen physical discomfort.
   * ease specific aches
   * reduce edema (swelling) in the feet, legs, hands & arms
   * alleviate pain in the lower back, pelvis and hips.

* acts as an overall tonic and increases the expectant mother's body awareness.
Relaxation massage facilitates gestation by supporting:

   * cardiac function
   * placental and mammary development
   * increase of cellular respiration
   * reduction of edema and high blood pressure
   * sedation of sympathetic nervous system

Deep tissue massage alleviates:

   * stress on weight-bearing joints, muscles, and fascial tissues
   * neck and back pain
   * poor posture and strain on the uterine ligaments

*During labor, women whose partners use basic massage strokes on their backs and legs have shorter, less complicated labors.
After the baby's birth, massage therapy can gently facilitate:

   * body's return to its pre-pregnancy state
   * pain alleviation
   * fostering a renewed sense of body and self
   * despite for post-Caesarean mothers
   * reduce scar tissue formation
   * healing of the incision and related soft tissue areas

Description

When nestled with pillows or other specialty cushions into a side-lying or semi-reclining position, most women are more comfortable for the 30–90 minutes of a massage session. A pregnant woman can expect to enjoy many of the same techniques; draping, professional demeanor and therapeutic benefits offered all massage therapy clients.

* Pregnant women should expect a thorough health and prenatal intake interview with their therapists.