Prenatal Massage: Treat Yourself!
Pregnancy is definitely rough on a woman's body. From backaches and foot pain to stretching skin and, ultimately, delivery, there really is no part of a woman's body that is not affected by carrying a child. Once you get to the third trimester of pregnancy it sometimes feels like your whole body is breaking down. The last month it can feel hard to even move. Unfortunately, life does not slow down. There is work to be done both in and outside of the home, not to mention you may have other children to chase after. In order to find some small degree of relief, you should look into a prenatal massage.
Prenatal massage therapy has been around for a long time. Since women should not lie on their stomachs while pregnant, there were some initial questions as to whether or not getting a massage would be good for the baby. Fortunately, a certified prenatal masseuse should have a special foam pad that fits over the bed in order to make room for that growing belly. For that reason, it is crucial that you go to a massage therapist who has certification for prenatal massages if you want to get a massage while pregnant.
There are many benefits that a massage can have during your pregnancy. These benefits include but are not limited to:
Stress Relief
A massage has been shown to greatly relieve stress. This could be due to the fact that they usually take place in a very relaxing environment, without noise, kids, or chores. Imagine just being pampered for a small amount of time, allowing your mind to meditate on important things while you care for your body. Stress relief can benefit your pregnancy, too! When a woman is relaxed her blood pressure can decrease, which makes her less likely to experience preeclampsia (a dangerous medical condition that affects pregnant women).
Improved Mood
Taking time to treat yourself may also decrease any feelings of depression you may be experiencing as well. Pregnancy can be hard emotionally, since your body, or at least some of what happens to your body, is pretty much out of your control. A prenatal massage may help you to feel more confident and happy overall.
Relief From Body Aches
Potentially the biggest relief that most women get from a prenatal massage is the relief to their aching muscles and joints. Massage therapy is a proven treatment for body aches and pains, which can be just what a pregnant woman needs.
In conclusion, a prenatal massage can only benefit you. Why not make an appointment with a company that offers prenatal massages?
