How Can I Reduce Stress During Pregnancy
Stress and anxiety during pregnancy, for some women can be the worst experience. I was so stressed during pregnancy, that my body was literally revolting, from an ER ambulance ride to not being able to see. More on that later. I found out quickly that this affects my baby! My doctor said this could cause my baby to come early than she should or have a low birth weight.
However, a little stress during pregnancy IS normal. Who wouldnt be a little anxious about a major medical hospital trip, a lengthy recovery and becoming suddenly solely responsible for a tiny human life ? You may not have a heartbeat if none of that gives your chest a flutter.
But, if this feeling is constant and affecting your life in major ways, the BEST thing to do to reduce stress during your pregnancy is to talk to your doctor.
12. Be ready mentally for labor and delivery. Take an awesome online prenatal class take it at your own pace, whenever you want, wherever you want. Traveling to the prenatal class at our hospital was stressful, I had to take work off AND sit for eight hours plus. To top it off, our instructor kept skipping the videos because they didnt work! She skipped entirely over newborn care due to technology issues. ARGH! I looked at online classes and some are over $400!
14. Have some quiet time. Meditate, pray, go on a walk in a beautiful part of town or do some simple pregnancy stretches while listening to soft instrumental music.
When To Avoid Having A Pregnancy Massage:
- If your maternity care provider has advised you against it.
- Some massage therapists have a policy of not doing pregnancy massages within the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. This is because of the increased risk for miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation.
- If you are in a high risk pregnancy category or have previously had a premature labour.
- If you have Pregnancy Induced Hypertension e.g. high blood pressure.
- If you have pre-eclampsia, or sudden swelling with retention of fluid. If you experience severe headaches.
- If having a pregnancy massage causes you to feel sick, lightheaded, gives you a headache or you don t enjoy the experience. Don t feel as if you have to do it just because others feel it’s a good idea. Some women genuinely don t like being touched and find massages an intrusion of their privacy.
- If you feel the massage therapist is being too vigorous you need to say so. Ask them to be a little gentler and keep the lines of communication open between you both. This is what is termed a therapeutic relationship and it needs to be working for you both in order to gain maximum benefit.
Pregnancy And Chair Massage: What You Need To Know
Can I Get A Chair Massage While Pregnant?
It is a common question that usually has the same simple answer: yes!
In most cases, getting any form of light-pressure massage while pregnant will produce only positive results. Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy reduces anxiety, decreases symptoms of depression, relieves muscle aches and joint pains, and improves labor and newborn health.
Some special circumstances, like a high risk pregnancy, could make getting a massage while pregnant ill-advised, and, in general, if there are any adverse health conditions that have become associated with the pregnancy, it is generally a good idea to consult with a doctor before receiving any kind of bodywork.
In the event of a pregnancy without any special circumstances, though, massage is actually recommended all throughout the child-bearing months!
Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy during the first, second or, technically, even the third trimester.
Many facilities will often refuse to offer massage to a pregnant woman who is in late stages of pregnancy, typically for liability reasons, which has created the public misconception that it might be unwise to get a late-term massage. This opinion opposes the facts, though, as chair massage is an acceptable practice at any point in the pregnancy process.
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What Will My First Pregnancy Massage Be Like
You have a lot of control over your pregnancy massage. Once you find a massage therapist you trust, your first meeting will involve paperwork and a health questionnaire.
Your massage therapist will ask you a lot of questions about your pregnancy, your concerns, and what you hope to gain from your time together.
You will be able to determine what type of massage youll receive, the most comfortable positioning for you, how long the massage will last, and if you would like to remain clothed.
When it comes to the actual massage, your massage therapist will generally ask you some questions to identify the areas of your body that need the most work. They will then tailor the massage to your specific needs. During your first visit, it is important you communicate about what feels good and what hurts.
But I Can’t Even Lie Down
Equipment required for pregnancy massage can be a little different to the standard issue. Body position during prenatal massage is important in order to maximise the effectiveness of the massage and to fully gain its benefits. Many health and massage professionals recommend a side-lying position for pregnant women during massage.
Current research supports the use of standard massage tables, rather than those which have a hole cut out in them to accommodate the pregnant belly. Cut outs can allow the abdomen to dangle unsupported and cause stretching of the uterine ligaments. However if cut out tables or pillows are used, these should not be used for extended periods of time. Tell the massage therapist that you d prefer not to by lying in the same position for too long and if at any stage you feel uncomfortable.
NB It may be useful for you to contact your massage therapist before your initial appointment and clarify which position/s you will be placed in during your massage.
Lying on your back is not recommended past the first trimester so your positioning will be restricted to your tummy or your side. The massage therapist should have a range of pillows and foam cut-outs to support your belly and avoid extra muscular strain.
Prices vary for pregnancy massage services though a rebate is available through some health insurance funds. This is dependent on the level of extras cover.
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Who Does Pregnancy Massage
If you are thinking about having a pregnancy massage, it is important to find a qualified therapist who specialises in the field of ante-natal massage. Ask your maternity care provider who they generally recommend, or do a search in your local area for a practitioner. When you do find a massage therapist, ask them about their qualifications and what training they have had.
The Association of Massage Therapists Ltd. is the oldest massage association in Australia though there are others with practitioner membership groups as well. Some physiotherapists have a particular interest in obstetric massage and provide massage services too.
Why Are So Many Women Getting Happy Ending Massages These Days Heres What I Found
Over the past 6 months, Ive noticed a growing number of articles where women confess they got a happy ending massage.
Maybe its just a change in the times or more women are open with their sexuality, but more women than ever are going to a professional to get their fix.
So why is this becoming so popular? Why do women love it? And what secrets can you learn from these underground masseuses? I did a full investigation and heres what I found
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What Techniques Will Be Used During My Prenatal Massage
During a prenatal massage session, your Certified Pregnancy Massage Therapist can incorporate a variety of techniques into each session. Depending on where you are in the pregnancy and what your concerns or needs are at the time they may use reflexology, Swedish massage, deep tissue, trigger point therapy and/or assisted stretching techniques.
What Makes Pregnancy Massage Different
A pregnant person’s body must be properly positioned and supported during the massage for the comfort and safety of the mother and growing baby. After about 20 weeks, for instance, lying on your back can put excess pressure on your abdomen, restricting blood flow.
During a prenatal massage, you will usually positioned be lying on your side rather than on your stomach or back. This is particularly important during the later stages of pregnancy. Pillows, bolsters, or padding may be used to support your back, knees, and/or feet. Alternatively, your massage therapist may suggest that you sit upright or in a semi-reclining position.
The most common massage technique used during pregnancy massage is effleurage, a long, gliding stroke used in Swedish massage . If you’re used to strong pressure, you’ll likely find the pressure during pregnancy massage gentle and light.
While the massage therapist may use deeper pressure in certain areas distant from your belly like your shoulders, the overall pressure may be much lighter than what you are used to. The massage should be tailored to your health concerns. If you are experiencing morning sickness, for example, your massage therapist may avoid using rocking techniques.
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Preparing For The Massage
Like with any massage, youll be taken to the location and asked to remove your clothes and lie down on the massage bed. Its common courtesy to shower beforehand. Typically, massages will start with you lying face down. Some masseuses will explain clearly whether to remove your underwear and cover up with a towel, which is known as draping. If youre unsure, just ask.
Where Not To Massage During Pregnancy
Ah yes, a massage. One of the simpler pleasures of life. From a quick kneading on your shoulder to a full-on body massage, a massage never fails to help you relax and make your day a little bit better. Be it an injury, tense muscles or just plain stress, a massage is an ideal solution to so many discomforts.
Now that youre pregnant, things are a little bit different than when you were not carrying a human within you. While it is fine even encouraged for you to get a massage when youre pregnant, there are some parts of your body that you must avoid massaging, especially if you are doing it on your own or you ask someone who is not qualified to perform a prenatal massage. Naturally, this leads to myths about what you can or cannot massage when pregnant. Lets get right into it!
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Massage During Pregnancy: Is It Safe
If youve ever received a massage before, you know that they can be relaxing for the body and provide benefits for your emotional state as well. Since pregnancy can be physically and emotionally taxing, it stands to reason that many women may seek out some massage therapy as a way to deal with all the stress on their body and mind.You may have some questions about the safety of massages since you are making decisions about not just your health. Can you start massage therapy when you find out youre pregnant? Are there any benefits to getting prenatal massage? These are just a few of the questions you may have before you start letting someone rub out those knots in your aching back.
When Can You Get A Prenatal Massage
Good news: You can get a prenatal massage at any point in pregnancy, even early on, Field says. In fact, it may be particularly helpful in the first trimester if you have morning sickness. While there is no direct research that links massage to pregnancy-related nausea relief, a study found that a 20-minute massage significantly reduced nausea in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
That said, some facilities may choose not to offer prenatal massage for moms-to-be who are still in their first trimesternot because massage is riskier during this time, as the American Pregnancy Association explains, but simply because theyd like to avoid any liability issues should their client go on to experience a miscarriage, which is statistically more likely to happen during the first 12 weeks of any pregnancy.
The third trimester is especially great for prenatal massage. By then, your body has undergone a huge transformation, and youre likely to be both physically and mentally exhausted by the pregnancy. It even works as a preparation exercise for labor. Massage allows the pregnant client to practice breathing through physical intensity to release muscles, softening instead of holding against the pain, says Lyon. This is also the ideal reaction to contractions. There are very few things you can do to practice that kind of physical and mental surrender.
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Foot Massage During Pregnancy: Safety Benefits Risks And Tips
You banked on a bigger tummy, but you were probably hoping to avoid the thicker ankles and plump toes that signal youre in your third trimester.
Theres no denying it, those swollen limbs throb and ache, especially at the end of a long day on your feet. But keep smiling because a foot massage might just give you the relief youre craving and more.
When Is Prenatal Massage Safe
Generally speaking, prenatal massage is safe for most women once they get beyond the first trimester. That being said, it is important for you to consult with your physician before you start any massage program while pregnant.Some women who have started massage therapy before the end of the first trimester have reported increased morning sickness and nausea. You will also want to let your massage therapist know that you are pregnant before your first massage appointment.If you are a woman in your second trimester, youll want to avoid lying on your back during your massage. By lying on your back, the weight of your baby may cause a lack of blood circulation to the placenta.
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When Shouldnt Pregnant Women Get Massages
Massage is a safe treatment modality for pregnant women in general. That being said, there are some precautions to keep in mind before receiving a massage during pregnancy.
When picking your massage therapist, it is advisable to pick someone with experience and training in prenatal massage. When a woman is pregnant, there are many changes going on within her body. As a form of precaution, therapists will often not do massage in early pregnancy.
There are two main reasons to avoid or postpone a massage as a pregnant woman.
Hip Massage During Pregnancy
Lyon recommends a standing double hip squeeze, which can be a great massage during pregnancy and even labor. Lean forward onto a table or countertop with your forearms supporting the upper body. Ask your partner to stand behind you and squeeze your hips inward. They should hold, but not massage, your hips for 10 seconds and then release. Repeat several times. The counter pressure of your partners palms pressing into your hips will relax your lower back, hips and upper legs, Lyon says.
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What Should You Look For In A Massage Therapist
When you book your massage appointment, you should do so with a practitioner who has certifications in prenatal massage. Their training levels go beyond a regular therapist, and they have expertise working with women who are pregnant.These professionals are able to address the issues you are experiencing as a pregnant woman and will know how to position your body to avoid any complications for you and your baby. Massage therapists who are certified in prenatal massage may also be able to spot potential problems, such as varicose veins and blood clots.
Prenatal Massage As Part Of Prenatal Care
The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement shown to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health. Consult with your midwife or obstetrician before beginning any new therapeutic practice.
Want to Know More?
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Physical Benefits Of Prenatal Massage
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Massage assists the circulatory and lymphatic systems by promoting the movement of blood and lymph, which assists the heart and reduces swelling.
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Pain Reduction. Massage helps alleviate stress on weight bearing joints and relieves muscle soreness from supporting the additional weight of a growing baby. Massage helps to soothe and ease sore muscles throughout the neck, back and hips and helps decrease pressure, pain, and cramps.
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Massage stimulates proprioceptively, a persons sense of awareness of their muscles and any tension they might be holding.
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Massage helps to prepare the body for delivery by loosening the pelvis and ridding the body of excess tension prior to the onset of labor.
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Massage also allows the recipient to learn relaxation skills valuable during labor.
The Benefits Of Prenatal Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Research shows prenatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Prenatal massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques, one of which is called Swedish Massage.
Swedish Massage aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. Swedish Massage is the recommended massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts.A distinction should be made between therapeutic prenatal massage and perineal massage, the latter referring to the practice of manually stretching the tissues surrounding the birth canal to help reduce the risk of episiotomy or trauma associated with childbirth.
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