Pregnancy is a transformative experience that comes with various physical and emotional changes, often causing tension for expectant mothers. Throughout history, many cultures have recognized the benefits of skilled touch in assisting pregnant women to restore balance in their bodies and minds. Recent scientific studies have also supported the safety and effectiveness of pregnancy massage. Research has shown that receiving this specialized type of massage can provide relief for expectant mothers experiencing back pain, morning sickness, depression, and even labor pain.
Pregnancy Massage vs. Traditional Massage
When it comes to massage therapy, there are some key differences between a pregnancy massage and a traditional massage. Therapists who specialize in pregnancy massage are trained to adapt their techniques to accommodate the anatomical changes that occur throughout pregnancy.
In a regular massage, individuals typically lie face-down on their stomachs or on their backs. However, these positions can cause discomfort for both the expecting mother and the fetus. To address this, professional pregnancy massage therapists provide special cushions or holes that can accommodate the growing bellies and breasts of pregnant women.
Unlike traditional massages, pregnancy massages avoid deep tissue work on the legs to reduce the risk of dislodging blood clots. Additionally, therapists are gentle on the extremities and avoid certain areas that may trigger contractions.
Eases Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a common symptom experienced by more than half of pregnant women during the first trimester. It is characterized by a feeling of nausea and is caused by an imbalance in the brain-gut axis due to an increase in prenatal hormones. However, pregnancy massage can be an effective way to alleviate morning sickness symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. By calming the nerves, pregnancy massage helps to ease the discomfort associated with morning sickness.