Moms to be are familiar with being a little achy, uncomfortable and, let’s be honest, out of sorts. But unlike those middle-of-the-night kicks to the lungs, you can do something about it. Prenatal massage, which is tailored specifically to the needs of the pregnant body, can make you feel like yourself again. Discover five of the hands-on benefits.
Ease the Blues. The way the greeting cards and baby shower bloggers tell it, pregnancy is the happiest, most smile-filled time of your life. But sometimes, it’s just not. In a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers studied 84 depressed pregnant women during their second trimester. After receiving 16 weeks of 20-minute massage therapy sessions, the group felt less anxious and depressed, and had higher levels of the feel-good chemicals dopamine and serotonin. They also had lower levels of the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine. An added bonus for baby: In the study, the changes in hormone levels led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as prematurity and low birth weight.
Banish Back Pain. Carrying those extra pounds changes your center of gravity and puts added stress on your back, neck, ab muscles and shoulders. Is it any wonder your back feels as if it’s breaking? Massage not only stretches these tightened muscles but also helps move lymphatic fluid, sweeping toxins away in the process. “The lymph system doesn’t have its own pump, so we have to help it along,” says Maureen Moon, a spokeswoman for the American Massage Therapy Association.
Remember that You’re Still You. “Pregnant women catch a glimpse of themselves in the mirror and all they can think is, ‘Is that me?’” Moon says. A massage helps remind you that you’re more than just a belly that strangers feel compelled to touch. “You have a neck, hands, feet, shoulders-and they all deserve attention as well,” Moon says.
Soothe Sciatica. As your expanded uterus rests on the pelvic floor and lower back muscles during late pregnancy, it can create pain in the sciatic nerve. This can lead to shooting pain from your lower back to your legs and even feet. It can also cause a burning or pins-and-needles sensation. A massage can help release tension in the muscles near the inflamed nerves in the area.
Sleep Better. Are your hips hurting from all that side sleeping yet? Massage can reduce those aches, resulting in a more comfortable night’s rest. Plus, because massage relaxes the nervous system, you’ll be in a more tranquil state when you turn in.
Call Massage Envy Spa Santa Clarita (Via Princessa/Sierra Highway) for all your Prenatal Massage needs at 661-251-3689.