A woman’s body undergoes dramatic changes during the 40 weeks of pregnancy. These physical changes are the result of hormones released during pregnancy, as well as the growth of the foetus and the resulting metabolic changes.
Carrying a baby shifts a woman’s centre of gravity and places stress on the back, neck and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes ligaments and causes the pelvic joints to become less stable, thereby changing posture and pulling the pelvis forward.
Pregnancy therefore brings with it a variety of side effects, some less pleasant then others. Most mothers can expect to experience some muscular tension and stiffness during their pregnancy as their uterus expands to accommodate their growing baby.
Massage Therapy during pregnancy can often relieve many of the common side effects of backaches, headaches, oedema and other pregnancy related problems.
Benefits of pregnancy massage include:
- Helping to relieve oedema and swelling by stimulating circulation throughout the body.
- Relief of muscular tension and pain, especially in the lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck.
- Reduces stress on weight bearing joints.
- Enhances body awareness for better posture.
- Assists with body mechanics and movement during structural changes.
- Eases anxiety and stress during time of transition.
- Gives emotional support and nurturance.
- Speeds up venous and lymphatic circulation, brings nutrients to tissues and eliminates waste products, reduces swelling, eases varicose veins, normalizes blood pressure.