Prenatal Massage Benefits – From Pain Relief to Improved Sleep for Moms-To-Be
Having a baby is a wonderful time in any woman’s life, but the pregnancy can be physically and emotionally draining. Many expectant mothers feel discomfort in their joints and muscles, particularly the back, neck, head, legs and feet. Luckily, prenatal massage is designed to specifically target these areas of discomfort and relieve stress and pain. In addition, regular sessions may help reduce the risk of complications such as sciatica or piriformis syndrome, which often occur during this time.
Prenatal massage is a gentle form of bodywork that uses special support cushions to create a safe and comfortable position for the client. The goal of this type of massage is to relax tense muscles, improve circulation and offer relaxation for both mom and baby. During the session, the mom-to-be can let go of her everyday worries and focus on herself and her connection to her growing baby.
The most obvious benefit of prenatal massage is the pain relief. Whether it is hip and lower back pain, leg cramps or numbness from the extra weight on the belly, massage offers an effective, drug-free treatment. In fact, studies show that women who receive massage regularly during their pregnancy have shorter labors (by up to three hours) and less need for pain medication.
In addition to alleviating the common aches and pains of pregnancy, massage can also help with other conditions such as sciatica and piriformis syndrome, which are caused by the compression of nerves that run down the legs. Symptoms include numbness, pain or tenderness in the buttocks and legs that can be exacerbated by sitting for long periods of time, exercise or wearing high heels. Prenatal massage can ease these symptoms by improving blood flow, which in turn helps alleviate the pressure on these sensitive nerves.
Another important pregnancy massage benefit is reducing the mother’s emotional stress and anxiety. This is because the soothing touch of a massage therapist triggers the release of endorphins, which are known to boost mood and promote a sense of well-being. The calming effect of this therapy can also indirectly affect the baby by encouraging better sleep patterns, which is crucial for fetal growth and development.
As with all types of massage, the benefits of prenatal massage are numerous. However, it is essential to have a trained professional perform this type of massage. The therapist will be able to identify areas of tension, determine the proper position for the client and provide advice on how to maintain a state of wellness throughout the pregnancy. Additionally, this type of massage is considered a medically necessary treatment by some insurance companies, making it eligible to be paid for using an HSA or FSA account. If you are looking for an Atlanta pregnancy massage therapy, contact the experts at Midtown Family Wellness. For more details visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.