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As a first-time pregnant woman, everyone I knew seemed to dole out advice. They also gave warnings about every ache, pain and annoyance that might haunt me for at least nine months. What I didn t get a lot of was reasonable solutions to said problems. The standard answer for any complaint I had seemed to be, That will go away when you have the baby. It s like that horrible joke my dad would say every time I skinned my knee, It will feel better when it quits hurting. (Very funny dad. Not.)
So what about the meantime, when having the baby isn t an option? Actually there is a reasonable therapy for many pregnancy woes, and surprisingly it is quite an enjoyable one. For that first pregnancy, I toughed it out- as many women do- but those nine magical months felt less than magical at times. The magic came with my second pregnancy, a mere 14 months later. I happened to be attending a private institute for massage therapy at the time. I quickly added pregnant to my title of student/wife/mother to a bouncing energetic one year old; and I quickly came to understand and appreciate first-hand the wonderful difference massage can make during those stressful nine months.
Pregnancy is a time of great change for all parties involved! A soothing massage most simply can relieve the emotional and physical tensions. But it gets more scientific than that. Studies show that massage can boost the immune system, particularly helpful during pregnancy, when the immune system is weaker than normal. Massage can help you sleep better (insomnia anyone?) but also increase your energy during the day. The list of benefits provided by a good prenatal massage could go on and on, but I ve compiled a few into the acronym RELIEF.
-Reduce swelling by gently pushing fluid into circulation to be eliminated
-Ease constipation, gas and heartburn (relaxation stimulates intestinal movement)
-Lower risk of varicose veins as enhanced circulation lowers pressure on bulging veins
-Increase flexibility, making it easier for your body to adjust to a changing shape
-Erase headaches caused by tension or buildup of metabolic waste products
-Fix pain in your muscles and joints that must support added and redistributed weight
I personally experienced this kind of relief during my second pregnancy. I only wish that I understood earlier that massage is not a luxury. It s an easy way to take care of your health while your entire body adapts to the new life growing within you. And on top of everything else, it just plain feels great. If you know of someone enduring any stage of their own magical nine months, be sure to pass this information along. Or better yet, get her a gift certificate to see a licensed massage therapist experienced in prenatal massage. It s the perfect way to make her magic more enjoyable.
By: Bridgette Davis, LMT
Bridgette Davis, is a massage therapist licensed by the State of Ohio Medical Board. She offers massage for men and women of all ages, including prenatal massage at a local OB office, and private clients in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. She is passionate about massage and available to take appointments or answer questions at massageforall@gmail.com or 513-349-7140. |
