Massage & Pregnancy

Coping with Stress and Fatigue

Pregnancy is a time of great changes, when your entire body adapts to the new life growing within. You need and deserve support, especially since two people now depend on your health and vitality.

Massage is a wonderful way to relax, increase your energy, and relieve discomfort during your pregnancy. The caring touch of massage can help you experience your changing body in a positive, accepting way. Massage can also be something special for you at a time when you also face important social adjustments at work or at tome, with family or friends.

Change, even welcome change, is stressful and can sap your energy from day-to-day. A soothing massage can relieve physical and emotional tension, help you sleep better, and boost your energy. Massage loosens tight muscles and calms the nervous system. Circulation increases, bringing energy-producing nutrients to your cells, and carrying away metabolic waste products that can make you feel listless. In a massage, you also become more aware of your body, which helps you recognize tension as it builds during the day and consciously release it. We will also help you to prepare for labor, giving you an increased confidence and control.

Easing Aches & Pains

Massage can help with many of the aches and pains you experience as your body changes. For example, massage helps to:

• Reduce muscle cramps and painful triggerpoints;
• Relieve pain in the muscles and joints of your legs, lower back, and upper back;
• Increase flexibility, making it easier for your body to adjust to a changing shape;
• Ease constipation, gas and heartburn;
• Reduce excess fluid retention;
• Slow the progress of varicose veins;
• Relieve headaches.

For Your Comfort

During your massage, you will be comfortably supported with pillows or cushions. In later pregnancy, you can experience a complete massage supported in a side-lying position. If lying down is simply not comfortable, you can remain seated for a relaxing partial massage.

You will be covered with a sheet everywhere except where you are being massaged. Ask for a lighter cover or less heat in the room if you are too hot. If your sense of smell is sensitive, ask for unscented lotion or oil. It is fine to interrupt your massage when you need to use the restroom.

Be sure to ask any questions you have about massage in general or your session in particular. Tell us if anything feels uncomfortable or if there are areas you would rather not have massaged. If you are not sure about something, be conservative and see how you feel after each massage.

Besides the immediate relief you are going to get from your massage, you may also learn ways to increase your comfort at home. We can give you feedback on posture or suggest gentle exercises and stretches to help relieve tension at home. You might also want to try breathing techniques to help you relax. You should keep your therapist updated about your health, including any changes, even if you are not sure they are important. Massage is healthful and enjoyable during a normal pregnancy. It is a good idea, however, to inform your doctor before receiving prenatal or postpartum massage.

Postpartum Massage

In the postpartum period, it is as important to care for yourself as it is during your pregnancy. Massage can help you handle the physical demands of caring for a newborn by reducing tension and increasing energy.