Prenatal Massage - A Relaxing
Treatment For Pregnant Women and
Their Unborn Babies
Experience the Prenatal massage in Recovery Therapy Orlando it is a soothing,
relaxing treatment that benefits pregnant women and their unborn babies. It
reduces muscle pain and joint stiffness, boosts circulation, soothes the nervous
system and elevates mood. Many doctors recommend it for the relief of common
discomforts such as backaches, swollen feet and sciatic nerve pain. Studies suggest
that it also can facilitate a faster, easier labor.
The most common discomforts during pregnancy are aches and pains in the lower
back, hips, neck and feet. Massage can ease all of these areas, and even help
relieve the tension headaches that often accompany them. It can also aid in the
digestion of food and alleviate the leg cramps that so many pregnant women
experience as their pregnancy progresses.
As in the case of any massage, it's important to find a licensed and trained prenatal
massage therapist. If possible, ask friends and healthcare providers for
recommendations, and look online for reviews and certifications. It's also a good
idea to visit a spa that is designed for prenatal care and has specially-designed
massage tables, which can accommodate a pregnant woman more comfortably than
a traditional massage table.
There are certain conditions that make getting a prenatal massage less than ideal,
such as having a history of premature labor, a clot in the legs or other blood-clotting
condition. Then, too, there are the risks associated with having a cesarean delivery
or a high-risk pregnancy. However, if a woman has a low risk of complications and
the treatment is recommended by her doctor, she should go ahead and enjoy a
soothing, relaxing massage.
During a prenatal massage, the woman typically lies on her side with pillows for
support. The therapist may use a full-length body pillow to create a nest for the
mother, and there are special massage tables and cushions that are designed
specifically for pregnancy, with hollowed out spots for the belly and breasts and with
long pillows for support all around.
Some maternity massage therapists are trained to work with a client at every stage
of her pregnancy, while others are hesitant to begin the treatment in the first
trimester. This is due to the increased risk of miscarriage in this early stage, but it's
generally safe to proceed after that point.
It's also important to talk to the therapist about what areas are off-limits for the
treatment. For instance, deep tissue massage to the legs and groin area should be
avoided because it could dislodge a blood clot, which would pose a significant health
risk for both mom and baby. The therapist will likely avoid these areas and focus on
lighter massage techniques, such as circular massage around the ankles and a few
of the toes (big toe, second toe and baby toe). Blood-clot risk is also higher for
women with varicose veins and those on bed rest.