Pregnancy can be a stressful time for any woman. From back pain to mood swings, there are many discomforts associated with the journey to motherhood. Luckily, there are some safe and soothing massage techniques that can alleviate those uncomfortable feelings.
The safest and most effective pregnancy massage techniques focus on areas that are not affected by the extra weight or swelling of the uterus. Those areas include the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. In addition to relieving tension, the sessions can help increase blood flow, ease joint pain, and reduce the risk of edema. In some cases, the practice can even help prevent preterm labor.
If a pregnant woman is considering receiving a massage, she should make sure that her practitioner has specialized training in prenatal massage. It is also important to communicate any medical conditions or concerns with her therapist. Women with a history of preterm labor or other complications should generally avoid any techniques that stimulate the uterus. Other conditions like gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension may require special modifications or be contraindicated altogether. In addition, women with morning sickness, a fever, or abdominal pain should avoid the practice.
Lastly, it is important for pregnant women to discuss their comfort level with their massage therapist before beginning the session. The therapist should know whether the expectant mother prefers lighter or deeper pressure. She should also be made aware of any discomfort or pain she is experiencing during the session, so that the massage can be adapted accordingly.
In general, it is considered safe to receive a prenatal massage after the first trimester as long as the mother gets the go ahead from her OB and tells the therapist that she is expecting. A few things to keep in mind are that the therapist should not place too much pressure on the joints and should always use a pillow for support. Additionally, the therapist should never use scented oils because they can be harmful to the baby.
Pregnancy massage is a specialized therapeutic treatment that uses specific movements to address the unique physical and emotional needs of the expectant mother. Trained prenatal massage therapists modify traditional massage techniques to ensure the safety and comfort of their clients. The benefits of this specialized type of massage have been proven in multiple studies to include reduced back and muscle tension, increased circulation, decreased stress hormones, and lowered rates of preterm birth and low birth weight. If you are looking for a prenatal massage services in Atlanta visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.