pregnancy massage
pregnancy massage can be viewed as preventative medicine for both the mother and unborn baby. Studies show that a mother's cortisol levels can be detected in the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby. Stress is the cause of high cortisol levels which in turn has a negative impact on both mother and baby. Stress during pregnancy has been linked to premature birth, high blood pressure, meconium staining, fetal depression and depressed bonding after birth. Massage during pregnancy has benefits to both mom and baby:
- decrease in physical and emotional stress and discomfort
- increase in kinesthetic awareness
- decrease levels of cortisol and increase in endorphins
- increase blood and lymph flow
- reduction of swelling
- improves labor and birth outcomes
- improves newborn health
- improves sleep
- aids in recovery post birth/cesarean section healing
- facilitates hormonal balance prenatal and postpartum
Massage during pregnancy is a safe therapy during all stages of pregnancy as well as postpartum. During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, the client will lie comfortably in a sidelying or semirecline position in order to maximize safety, comfort and blood flow.
