Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is a game of love or rather a mastered art of touch by the partner or a massage therapist to comfort the wife and win over the unborn child. Most people enjoy human touch as it can convey love, awareness, alleviate aches and many other sensations which are the essential needs during pregnancy.Pregnancy massage or pre-natal massage is therapeutic bodywork specifically tailored for the expectant mother's needs as her body goes through dramatic changes. In addition to the fact that massage during pregnancy makes her feel good, there are many other benefits too. Prenatal Massage enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone and relieves mental and physical fatigue. Here is the list of all its benefits and right procedure to do the massage. Follow them and bring in a difference in your life.

Massage during pregnancy differs from a regular massage in a couple of ways. The biggest way it differs is that the person receiving the massage is pregnant, and therefore knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant woman are very important. This means that positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby she is carrying. There are also parts of the body that should not be massaged.

The room setting for a pregnancy massage is much like a typical massage, the room will have low lightening, you will lie on a warm extra padded table. Soft music will be in the background to help you relax and drift off. Some therapists will provide music with a baby's heartbeat in the background, some use candles to also set the mood and of course they smell good too. Be sure to tell your therapist if any of these disturb your senses. Sometimes there might be music or smells that don't quite agree with you and they are easily changed.

A questions I am often asked about massage is about the level of clothing one will wear. That is really between you and your therapist. Many moms choose to remove all of their clothing, though they are never uncovered, as they are always covered by the sheets. Some choose to wear their underwear or their bra and underwear. Whatever you choose to wear or remove is completely up to you and your comfort level.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage : -
 
  • Stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, neck, lower back and pelvis.
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  • Reduces swelling in hands and feet by increasing blood and lymph circulation.
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  • Emotional support through nurturing touch to the pregnant woman.
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  • Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pain, that is it prepares muscles used during childbirth.
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  • Helps with relaxation and insomnia
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  • A recent study states that it may even reduce the risk of premature births.
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  • Improves the mother's sleep and eases depression.
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  • Massage by the partner gives him a better bond with the wife and the child. Childbirth experts say that when dad-to-be massages mom-to-be during pregnancy, both partners become more relaxed and more involved with the baby.
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  • Assists in maintaining proper posture.
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  • Regular pregnancy body massages work towards keeping your blood pressure in control.
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  • It aims at eliminating waste products like lactic acid, from your body, by promoting your circulatory and lymphatic systems.
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  • 20 minutes of massage twice weekly for five weeks improves mood swings and sleep patterns during pregnancy.
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  • Babies will have a lower rate of postnatal complications.
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    Massage is beneficial for almost everyone. Even women carrying multiples babies can benefit greatly from massage. There may be certain conditions that may or may not be related to the pregnancy that would preclude massage or certain types of massage. This may include women at risk for preterm labor, women with blood clots or clotting disorders, and other ailments. Many therapists recommend that you have a written notice from your doctor or midwife before receiving massage therapy during pregnancy. Massage done during the first trimester is generally up to the therapist, the woman and her practitioner. Massage has never been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
    Pregnancy massage tips : -
     
  • Do not massage on open sores, areas with rashes or distended varicose veins, or around or near any local site of infection.
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  • Never lie on your back for a massage after the 20th week of pregnancy as it can harm your baby by compromising blood flow to the uterus.
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  • Avoid massage on the abdomen.
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  • Avoid pressure between the anklebone and the heel. Many massage therapists warn that this point on the body directly correlates to the uterus and vagina, and heavy pressure, particularly in the third trimester. This could induce premature labor.
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    Massage can also be useful for labor. Techniques can be done by your partner or a doula. Davis says, "The time to learn the techniques is while your pregnant before you go into labor. It is a great idea to take your partner or friend with you when you get your massage, any professional therapist will encourage this, they can show your partner many comfort measures he or she can use at home and will also explain why some techniques are unsafe.