Why Massage During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time of changes, some eagerly embraced, and others less welcome. Your entire body adapts to the new life growing within you. You also face important life changes at home or at work, with family or friends.

You need and deserve support, especially since two people now depend on your health and vitality.

Massage is a wonderful way to relax, increase your energy, and relieve discomfort during your pregnancy. The caring touch of massage can help you experience your changing body in a positive, accepting way. Massage can also be something special for you at a time when so much of your attention is on the baby to come.

Coping With Stress & Fatigue

Change, even welcome change, is stressful. The tension caused by stress, along with the physical changes of pregnancy, can sap your energy for coping day to day. A soothing massage can relieve physical and emotional tension, help you sleep better, and boost your energy.

Massage loosens tight muscles and calms the nervous system. It also increases circulation; bringing energy-producing nutrients to your cells and carrying away metabolic waste products that can make you feel listless.

Easing Aches & Pains

Massage can help with many of the aches and pains you experience as your body changes during pregnancy. Massage can:

• Relieve pain in your muscles and joints that must support extra weight
  
• Increase flexibility, making it easier for your body to adjust to additional weight
  
• Ease constipation, gas and heartburn as general relaxation stimulates intestinal movement
  
• Relieve headaches caused by tension, constipation, or buildup of metabolic waste products

Is Massage Always Appropriate?

Massage is healthful and enjoyable during a normal pregnancy. However, because massage is not appropriate for some conditions, your massage therapist will want to know about your general health and your pregnancy.

Give as much information as you can and always tell your massage therapist about any changes, even if you are not sure they are important. Remember, any condition you have now affects two people, one of whom is very small.

Is Massage For You?

Massage cannot completely relieve the discomforts of pregnancy.

After your massage, the extra weight is still there, the hormonal changes are still happening, and the stresses of your life are right where you left them.

However, regular massage during your pregnancy and postpartum weeks can relieve your physical symptoms and help you cope with stress. Because it supports your physical health and vitality, massage can help you more easily adjust to the many changes in your body and the demands of your new life.

Just taking time out for a massage can improve your outlook on life, making everything seem easier during this time of so many changes.



Pregnancy pillow now available – continue to lay on your stomach for your massages during your pregnancy.