My first pregnancy was tough on my body. I had always been more or less the same weight my adult life, and suddenly I was gaining more pounds than I was used to carrying. Moreover, it was starting to become difficult to sleep and move around with a persistent backache. I had always loved going to the spa for a massage, but after I got pregnant, I was wary just in case it is dangerous for me and the baby.
Desperate for a good and relaxing session, I searched for a pregnancy massage Eastern suburbs Melbourne. I wanted to relieve myself of backache, but I wanted to be sure that the therapy will be, at the same time, safe. I looked online and found practitioners who are qualified for this and immediately booked myself an appointment.
When I went to the center for my session, I found out how different pregnancy massage is. First of all, she had specialized equipment where I can lie without squishing my baby and allowing my therapist to still be able to massage my back and shoulders.
My therapist offered a treatment room that was so warm and relaxing, perfect for women who need to relax a bit despite the extra kilos they are carrying around all day. Stress is, of course, very bad for mothers and babies, and as the day of giving birth draws near, anxiety can really build up. A massage is, then, not just for its physiological benefits, but also for clearing the mind and feeling better psychologically.
To be more concrete, here are advantages for booking that appointment:
Skin Benefits
I have started to develop some really ugly stretch marks because of the weight that I have put on. When you get taut skin massaged, these can be reduced and the oil can even nourish your skin.
Help with Sciatic Pain
During late pregnancy, the weight of the baby and the uterus exerts a lot of pressure on your sciatic nerves and leg muscles. This is a typical complaint of women that can actually be improved after a session.
Reduce Swelling of Joints
Reduced circulation and more pressure on major blood vessels caused by the heavy uterus can lead to swelling. Going for therapy will stimulate soft tissues and minimize fluid accumulation in these joints.
Decrease Symptoms of Stress and Depression
Studies have shown that massage helps reduce stress hormone levels. Pregnancy can really bring a lot of changes in your body and this can be hormones can really make you emotional. Depression can also occur as women start to feel big and ugly. This is why you should go to that spa. In fact, a course of therapies over 6 weeks can significantly make you feel so much better.
Fewer Chances of Complications
Stress can affect childbirth and regular massage will help the mother relax. In turn, this will reduce complications and even result in higher birth rate.
Promote Better Sleep
Because of the relief I experienced after the massage, I could sleep better without feeling the throbbing my back.
Help Induce Labor
There is also a form of therapy called Induction Massage, where practitioners use acupuncture points, as well as relaxation techniques and oils to facilitate labor, especially perfect when you are overdue.
Other Benefits
Should your baby be in a breech position, a massage can relax your pelvis and help with the rotation. At the same time, recovery can be sped up, regardless of whether you go through a normal or caesarean birth. Lastly, production of milk can be increased, which is also a great thing for your baby.
With so many benefits, it is really a great idea for pregnant women like me to book a session with a therapist. However, there are some important points that you should consider.
First of all, make sure to clear it with your physician or gynecologist if you are thinking about going for a pregnancy massage. There are some conditions that will require an approval of the doctor before you go for a session. Some of these include pre-eclampsia, hypertension, severe headaches, high blood pressure, and severe swelling. If you are also having a high-risk pregnancy, pre-term labor or have recently given birth, inform the therapist. Should you have any of these conditions, consult with your doctor first before having a massage.
Second, if you are especially experiencing consistent pre-term contractions, you should speak up so that pressure points that might stimulate pelvic muscles should be avoided.
Third, it is more recommended to wait until the end of the first trimester before you book an appointment.
Make sure to include pregnancy massage in your plans during your 9 months. Not only does it bring you lots of advantages, it will really help you relax and enjoy the wait for your baby to arrive. This is a special time for you and by removing stress and pain out of the equation, you can really savor these wonderful changes happening in your life!
