Prenatal massage: good for you…good for your family
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Rice with barbecue sauce…supersized McDonald’s fries at 1 am…cheese with ketchup…chocolate ice cream with green sprinkles…honey mustard on everything.
It’s common knowledge that some pregnant women can have very interesting—and not always healthy—cravings. But not all pregnancy cravings are so odd or so unhealthy; many pregnant moms-to-be find themselves craving relaxation and even a massage. Fortunately, research has shown that prenatal massage has plenty of health benefits, and not just for Mom. Here are a few ways that sticking with your massage routine (or even starting a new one) can benefit your family:
- Reduces swelling: manipulation techniques can be used to stimulate soft tissues to reduce edema (fluid retention).
- Relieves sciatic pain: This pain results from the uterus rests on the pelvic floor and lower back muscles. Massage can reduce inflammation in the nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles.
- Balances hormone levels: Massage helps regulate the hormones norepinephrine, cortisol and serotonin, which are associated with stress, relaxation, and mood.
- Keeps the baby safe: Intensity and pressure applied based on due date and comfort levels.
- Eases physical and emotional stresses. Enough said! This benefits all parties involved: mom, baby, dad, and family!
We’ve even seen massage reduce pregnancy cravings (although this isn’t proven by science yet). You wouldn’t deny your wife’s request of chili, cheese fries at midnight so make sure you support and maybe even suggest the not-so-crazy and beneficial prenatal massage appointment. Believe me, it will be a win-win situation for all!
When I was pregnant, I researched prenatal massage therapy and found Elements Massage (not the Boca one but an Elements franchise in Alabama where I used to live). They were the only place I could find that had the special prenatal massage table…it has a big hole in it for your belly and it was so awesome to be able to lay on my stomach for once! I went several times throughout my pregnancy, and it really did relieve my sciatic pain. Being pregnant is a great excuse to pamper yourself before your life gets more hectic! No one can deny a pregnant woman a massage. Ha!
The massages I had during pregnancy were THE best investment I did for myself (I guess other than maybe prenatal care, but you know what I mean!). I went to a place that specialized in prenatal massage and between the positioning and technique I could not have been more relaxed afterwards. Gift cards for prenatal (and postnatal) massages are now the gift I give most when a baby shower comes up!