Today expectant mothers have many healthy and holistic options that aid them through their nine months of pregnancy. The vastness of options can be overwhelming and hard to choose. In my opinion, massage is one of the best and scientifically proven healthy option for expectant mothers.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, women can feel fatigued, have low level of energy and be more prone to sickness; which can affect their daily tasks, responsibilities, and baby. It is an important time for the expectant mother to increase flow to the circulatory systems, which helps them feel less fatigued, more energetic, and increase their immunity.
Any muscle tension can slow down lymph flow, leaving one feeling tired and at risk of toxemia. Massage stimulates the lymph which increases immunity, removes toxins and excess fluid. Massage also stimulates the blood system and pumps more energy-giving oxygen and nutrients into cells, which gives the expectant mother more energy, and increases blood flow to the placenta while stabilizing hormone levels that indeed help with mood (Sandy Fritz, Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 2008).
During the second trimester, the baby’s weight changes and the expectant mother’s body adapts to the changed body alignment and center of gravity, which can cause back pain and discomfort. Massage can relieve pain and discomfort while adding tone and flexibility to the muscles, particularly to the pelvic area muscles that can help prepare for the delivery.
The final months can be filled with stress and anxiety from the various preparations for the baby’s arrival, and muscles soreness from the continuing increase in the baby’s weight. Massage can relieve the muscle soreness, stress and anxiety.
Collected surveys by researchers found that expectant mothers that had massage during the nine months; had fewer complications in the delivery, shorter hospital stays, and decreased post partum depression (Body Sense, Fall 2002).
Further, massage following the delivery increases the circulation for the mother and enhances the post birth healing process as well as helps with realigning the body when the center of gravity shifts back to normal.
Overall, massage is a healthy option not only for the mother but the baby as well. However, one should be wise in choosing a massage therapist. They should choose a massage therapist that is well trained in pregnancy massage, licensed, and insured.
