Prenatal and Postpartum Massage Therapy - Massage Therapy During and After Pregnancy

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During pregnancy, the weight has shifted drastically in a woman's body. Weight has been added to the belly, which puts a large strain on the back. Pregnancy can also be a very stressful time emotionally. Massage therapy, both before and after birth, can help relieve these strains in an extremely comfortable way.

Prenatal massage therapy focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be. While providing emotional support and nurturing touches, it provides relaxation by relieving stress on joints, eases neck and back pain, helps to keep good posture and relaxes and provides flexibility to birthing muscles. Massage can aid the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which can keep blood flowing to both the mother and the baby, and reduce fatigue. It stimulates different glands in the body, which help to stabilize hormone levels, and relieves nervous tension throughout the body. The fetus can also receive warm, loving touches before he or she is born. Massage oils and creams with vitamin E included may help with possible stretching of the skin around the belly. Doctors agree that a relaxed mother will be more likely to have a happier and healthier pregnancy, and perhaps an easier delivery.

Note the following cautions:
1) Don't begin prenatal massage therapy until the first trimester has been completed. The increased circulation flow with massage may cause dizziness, and add to existing morning sickness.
2}Pressure points on both sides of the ankle and the webbing between the thumb and index finger are to be avoided. These areas are known as "reflexology points," and are believed that if sustained pressure is held on those points, they could activate labor too early.
3) Few insurance companies cover the costs of prenatal massage therapy.

Massage therapy is not only good before childbirth, but also afterwards. Postpartum massage focuses on helping to restore the woman's body to its pre-pregnancy condition. Massage therapy plays an important part in the restoration of the abdominal muscle wall and the uterus to its normal state. It helps to realign the body weight to its original distribution, and tones the over-stretched areas of skin over the belly. As with all massages, it relieves muscle tension and stress from everyday activities, especially new mothering duties. It not only helps restore the physical body to the new mom, but also helps to revive her emotional state. The loving touch of hands can provide a time to relax and reflect for the new mother, and helps to get her through the postpartum blues. When the mother feels good about herself, it is easier to meet the needs of her newborn.

Web Sites used to research this article

Babies Today

Mothermania

MotherU2

Pregnancy Today

Napolitano, J. Loving pregnancy with partner massage.

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