PRENATAL MASSAGE: What is prenatal massage? Prenatal Massage is a form of therapeutic bodywork that is geared to meet the unique needs of the pregnant woman. Promoting better function of muscles and joints, prenatal massage also improves circulation and overall body tone. Additionally, prenatal massage decreases mental and physical fatigue as well. Mutually beneficial, by having regular prenatal massage therapy, mothers are more relaxed; thus allowing the new life inside to be nourished.

Did you know that during pregnancy, the heart increases total blood volume by 30 to 50 percent, the lungs increase oxygen consumption by 10 to 20 percent, which requires a 30 to 40 percent increase of inhaled air; the digestive system must handle increased food intake while it becomes displaced and the intestines, stomach and diaphragm are pushed upward by the enlarged uterus. Blood flow in the kidneys increases by 35 percent and filtering function increases by 40 percent. Increased urination and urine leakage result from pressure on the bladder by the uterus. Rashes, breakouts, and discoloration can plague the skin. Weight gain increases the curvature of the lumbar spine and stress on the bones and joints. Relaxing, a hormone that makes the ligaments more stretchable causes the joints to become less stable. Because of these normal body changes in pregnancy, you quite often hear: "Will I ever look normal again"; "Slow down, I'm out of breath"; "Will I ever be regular again?"; "Where's the restroom?"; "Is there anything safe I can use to get rid of these brown patches?"; "My back is killing me"; "My body feels so loose, like it's going in different directions." As you can see; a woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy; some can be uncomfortable and stressful. Many women are discovering the benefits of pregnancy massage. Massage reduces stress.

Pregnancy Massage

Massage during pregnancy not only makes a woman feel pampered, but offers undeniable physical benefits as well. Massage can relieve fatigue, enhance sleep and calm an active baby. Many pregnancy massage specialists integrate a variety of techniques into their work. Depending upon where you are in the pregnancy, the therapist may utilize reflexology, Swedish massage or very light shiatsu.

Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy

1. Relieves muscle spasms, cramps associated with the stress of extra weight bearing and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.
2. Reduces stress and teaches the mother to relax. Relaxation is one of the keys to labor and delivery.
3. Gestation processed enhanced through increasing blood circulation, lymph circulation, reducing edema, increasing cellular respiration.
4. Provides emotional support and physical nurturing; this may be passed on to the baby
5. Assists in reducing the stress in the weight bearing joints and musculoskeletal structures.
6. Helps maximize breathing capacity which is needed during labor and delivery.