Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is one of the most special times in a woman?s life. The feeling of carrying another living being in your womb is a very unique experience. It is also a time of physical and emotional transformation for the woman. The hormones released by the pituitary gland, placenta and ovaries lead to a variety of physical and emotional changes. These physical changes include an increase in the basal metabolic rate, breathing rate and blood volume. Also, as the body prepares itself to support a new life, additional strain is placed on the abdominal muscles, internal organs, back, legs and the weight-bearing joints. These hormonal fluctuations also cause emotional mood swings that range from joyous exuberance to intense sadness. Symptoms such as nausea, constipation, urinary frequency, gastric reflux, varicose veins, edema, lower back pain and general fatigue are also common during this period.
To ease this transition, many health professionals recommend massage therapy as a complement to prenatal care. Prenatal pregnancy massage is designed to alleviate many of the common physical discomforts of pregnancy and provide emotional support.
How does Prenatal Pregnancy Massage work
Prenatal pregnancy massage aims to alleviate the discomforts experienced during pregnancy through skilled touch and communication. This soft and gentle massage therapy soothes tired, achy muscles and joints. The massage is combined with a series of passive manipulations to increase the range of motion and lubricate the joints internally. The therapist also teaches the patient methods of correcting the postural imbalances that occur as a result of the pregnancy. Prenatal pregnancy massage also helps the patient to identify, isolate and strengthen the muscles that she will use during labor.
Prenatal pregnancy massage is usually started during the second trimester of the pregnancy. Before commencing the massage therapy sessions, the therapist will teach you some gentle exercises to improve your posture and strengthen your muscles. He or she will also teach you techniques of diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation. The actual massage is carried out in a series of gliding strokes with the application of a light, soothing oil.
Benefits of Prenatal Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal pregnancy massage reduces the discomforts associated with pregnancy and enhances the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. It alleviates many of the conditions associated with pregnancy such as sciatica, back and neck pain, and stomach disorders. Prenatal pregnancy massage also promotes better functioning of muscles and joints, improves circulation and overall body tone. It also decreases mental and physical fatigue. Studies have shown that pregnant women who receive regular prenatal massages are more at ease than those who don?t.
Precautions for Prenatal Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal pregnancy massage therapy is not meant to be a substitute for thorough prenatal care. Before starting a course of prenatal pregnancy massage therapy, do consult your obstetrician. You must also ensure that your massage therapist is properly certified to carry out prenatal pregnancy massage. The massage should be stopped if you experience symptoms such as an increase in abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, heavy discharge of blood or water or high blood pressure.
Sharon Hopkins, Webmaster for http://www.massagehealththerapy.com, your online guide to Massages introduces you to Prenatal Pregnancy Massage for pregnant mothers. She also writes on Yoga, Hair-n-Skin Care, Aromatherapy and other health topics.
WNQA Articles:
Parenting Your Teenager: How to End the Curfew Battle
Q. Things have been relatively calm and OK with our 16-year-old son so far.
Exercise For Any Size
Do you feel that you can barely do any activity at all?That you cannot exercise, play sports, or become more fit?If you are a very large person, you can still be physically active.
Very large people face special challenges in trying to be active.
Exercise The Right Way - Dumbbell Lunges
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders' training regimes.
Smart for Life? Invites Pure Weight Loss Clients to Lose Weight the Smart Way
Smart for Life? Weight Management Centers is offering Pure customers $100 towards program fees at participating Smart for Life? Centers*.
Weight Gain And Pregnancy - Pass Through With Flying Colors
You are pregnant and you are going to gain weight. Your tummy is going to bulge and it will bulge real big and sex would soon be a concern. You will constantly feel bloated and eventually you are going to pass gas every now and then. The morning sickness and nausea will disrupt the daily routine you are used to.
Weight Loss Patch For Long-term Weight Reduction
I know that no matter how many diets and weight loss products you have tried, you just keep searching for a new one ? a better one, faster, easier and the most important - effective.
Can OmniDate.com Technology Save Dating?
Virtual dating (OmniDate.com) created favorable impressions of the other person and easier first meetings in the real world.
The Scoop on Stress and Exercise
Stress is defined as a response by your body to any demand made upon it and a 'demand' means a change.Did you know different stress levels have names? For example "Neutral" stress is the amount of work it takes to maintain normal body function.
Body Wraps & Weight Loss
Body wraps can help tone and tighten the skin, improve blood circulation, detoxify the body and help mobilize fat so it can be eliminated from the body naturally. You do not need any special equipment other than a mixing bowl, heating pot and wrapping sheets like thin towels.
Weight Loss & Tax Deductions: What You Need To Know
Many people may be surprised to know that, in some cases, weight loss programs may be tax deductible. If they are part of a doctor recommended diet, weight loss programs may be considered to be medical expenses and can sometimes be claimed as a deduction on income taxes. Publication 502 provides information relating to eligibility, including the minimum percentage of gross income that medical and/or dental expenses must meet or exceed in order to be tax deductible. The amount, if any, of allowable deductions should be noted on Form 1040 Schedule A from the IRS.
How Your Body Changes During Pregnancy
When pregnant, you will experience many physical changes to your body. While it is certainly true that women's bodies are made to adapt to these changes, knowing what to expect can make the difference between feeling helpless or getting a sense of control.
The Best Weight Loss Program ? Does It Really Exist?
Deciding on the best weight loss program for you can be confusing. You need a healthy weight loss program that will allow you to lose weight safely, but there are so many diets out there today; it?s hard to know what the best one really is! It?s no wonder that time after time, your diet fails and you?re right back where you started, or worse, you put on extra pounds. Each new diet is advertised as the best out there, but they don?t put the emphasis where it should be ? on a healthy weight loss program that lets you lose weight safely.
New Picture Book Helps Kids Learn About Gardening, Counting and Healthy Food
Announcing a new resource for parents and teachers to help their children learn about healthy foods, gardening, and counting basics. The picture book "Chipper Kids: Counting in the Crazy Garden" (JenPrint Publications, hardcover) will be available in traditional bookstores and through online retailers in March 2008.