Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Orange CA Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is also often referred to as prenatal massage and can be an extremely valuable procedure for the pregnant mother. Massage is also a good way to prepare for upcoming labor and makes an excellent therapy for use during the actual process of labor. Massage is something the pregnant woman should be able to enjoy throughout her pregnancy and using gentle massages as the delivery date approaches can add a great benefit for the preparation of childbirth.




Many pregnant women experience lower back pain especially towards the end of the pregnancy. Some women are not able to sleep well because of back pain, but fortunately, massage can relieve the uncomfortable feeling. During the first trimester, the therapist needs to be careful when massaging the lower back and only use a very light touch, but especially in the last months of pregnancy some lower back massage can bring enormous relief from aches and pains.


A pregnancy massage is able to help alleviate a wide array of problems, from the physical aches to emotional issues. Mood fluctuations are a common occurrence during pregnancy. Also, many women find that it can be difficult to relax as their growing baby gets bigger, and these women also begin to get worried about the labor process or even scared of the imminent birthing process. A relaxing massage can help to relieve stress, balance the emotions and even help the expectant woman get some much needed sleep.


From ankles that are swollen to poor posture due to muscle cramps and back pain, being pregnant can be very uncomfortable at times. Pregnancy massage can provide a great relief for tension, cramps, spasms and pain. Legg massages help improve circulation while stimulating the lymph system, which will then help reduce the swelling of the legs.


If you have thought about having an antenatal massage, it will be extremely important that you find a therapist who you are comfortable with as well as one who has been trained in administering prenatal massage. You should never feel uncomfortable asking your massage therapist questions about their training or experience. Safety should always be your primary concern, and you need to have complete trust in your massage therapist so that you can fully relax during your treatment.


How does pre-natal massage work in practice? In the beginning, you are probably able to lie on a normal massage couch on your back or even on your belly, as long as you are supported by cushions that can shift position if you need to. As your pregnancy advances, some creative movements are needed, as you cannot lie on your belly anymore and lying on your back for too long is not comfortable or recommended. You may be able to lie on your side on the couch, with cushions for support, although some women prefer sitting on a stool while the masseuse stands or kneels behind the woman's back.


Pregnancy massage is generally safe but some precautions should be taken. Massage over the abdomen should be done very lightly and possibly not at all during the first trimester, especially if there is any history of miscarriage or if the expectant mother does not feel comfortable with it. However, during the later months, gentle massage strokes over the belly can be very beneficial. Sometimes the baby reacts to the movements and if the baby has been kicking a lot, it may calm down during massage.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Pregnancy Massage Relieve Cramps Due to Pregnancy Faster

In the past 9 years, I have had 3 normal pregnancies and healthy children. While the pregnancies were all normal and complication-free, I had all the different feelings going through both my mind and body. Between muscle and joint pain, there is also weight gain (in my case, this was quite substantial) causing physical discomfort. I never considered that there was any way of gaining some relief. I now know there is! It is a pregnancy massage. I recently discovered (maybe too late for me) that this is an option when pregnant, in most circumstances.

When pregnant, we all know that we must, not only take care of ourselves, but also of the new baby growing within us. We have many feelings, some of them stress, anxiety, depression, as well as joy of the wonders and challenges ahead. All these feelings are normal, and can be alleviated a bit, unbeknown to us through a pregnancy massage.

So many issues can be helped by going to a certified pregnancy specialist, also known as a pre-natal specialist. The specialist will have special pillows to support the baby, and will know how to properly position the pregnant woman. Deep tissue massage is not appropriate during a pregnancy massage, but can be great at more appropriate times.



During a massage, clothing is optional, some ladies prefer clothing (bra and underwear) others prefer towels or sheets for coverage. One important point is that the personal OB/GYN knows that you are considering pregnancy massage. Massages when pregnant are not associated with miscarriages or any other complications. They are good for the mother during labor, and even after the baby is born, massages can often soothe a baby with colic. Massages can be a great bonding experience for you and your husband.

Many mothers, myself included, are unaware of the fact that massages are possible, even helpful during pregnancy. I now know that massages can help eliminate waste products from the mother through the lymphatic and circulatory system, thus giving the mother more energy. Massages can also help with swollen ankles and legs, which any pregnant woman will tell you, are very uncomfortable. During my three pregnancies, I had the usual symptoms, ranging from sciatic nerve pain, stress on my spine, legs, even feet! The exhaustion I felt by the third pregnancy could have been reduced.

To be pregnant and have the luxury of a pregnancy massage seems glorious to me. To know that my physical pain, stress and anxiety could have been alleviated by something so good for me is comforting. A calming, refreshing massage can even help with hormonal changes during pregnancy. If I am further blessed with another child, a pregnancy massage is definitely something I will be seeking. Be sure to look for a certified pregnancy massage therapist and consult your doctor. At such a time in life when we are filled with both joy and a challenge, this is close to a necessity in my book.