PREGNANCY AND INFANT MASSAGE

A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The body is going through constant changes that are often uncomfortable and stressful. Her uterus expands to 20 times its previous size, her breasts more than double their size, blood volume increases by 50%, and her breathing rate increases so that 20% more oxygen is taken in. As her body is going through these changes, the mother desires pampering and self nurturing. Women who become pregnant at a later age may have a higher degree of physical and emotional stress during pregnancy compared to that of younger women. Most of the stress that accompanies pregnancies can be relieved with massage therapy. Pregnant women also view massages as a moment of valuable free time that she will rarely have once the baby arrives.

EMOTIONAL STRESS

Besides physical stress, emotional stress is also experienced by pregnant women. Some women are shocked, stunned, or confused by the news of their pregnancy. The financial responsibilities, the effects of her relationship to her partner, issues regarding the health of the baby, irritability and resentment related to physical discomforts are some examples of inner stress that are normal and understandable. Besides, physical alleviation, a massage therapist can be there to provide compassion and emotional comfort to an expecting mother. A nurturing and comforting massage will bring her peace of mind during this time of stress.

THE EFFECTS OF PRENATAL MASSAGE

In addition to stress relief, prenatal massages are also known to: Relieve fatigue Reduce headaches Reduces muscular discomforts such as spasms, leg cramps, and stiffness Keeps skin supple to help prevent stretch marks Assists muscles in preparation for labor and delivery Helps control blood pressure Relieves pain associated with pressure on the sciatic nerve Strengthens the immune system Improves lymphatic and blood circulation, the latter of which increases tissue oxygenation Reduces insomnia Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression Enhances self-image Helps prepare the perineum for fetal delivery Helps relax mother between contractions during labor Reduces postpartum stress and depression

MORE BENEFITS

The expecting mother is not the only one that benefits from prenatal massages. Studies show that stressed pregnant women produce fetal heart rates that stay higher longer. These stresses can also have a negative effect in fetus development and make the infant more prone to heart disease and diabetes later on in life. Massage therapy can also help reinforce the bond between mother and father. A therapist can teach the other parent techniques that he can use at home for additional relief. As the expecting father offers more nurturing through touch and loving statements, there is a new bond that forms associated with the love and shared responsibility of parenting.

*Please note that this is not intended to instruct students or therapists on how to apply massage techniques on clients who have pregnancy related