The Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy is a complicated time for any woman’s life. While it can be a very exciting and happy time for many, some women can experience increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. If you are currently pregnant and having difficulty dealing with the complications it may add to your life, you may want to consider coming to Colorado Massage to get a prenatal massage.

 

What Is a Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal massage is exactly what it sounds like. It is a specific kind of massage therapy designed to treat the needs of women who are pregnant. As your body changes and the weight of your pregnancy increases (both mentally and physically), you will likely notice new aches and pains in your back, legs, and shoulders. A prenatal massage addresses that added tension and helps you cope with the difficult pressures of being pregnant. 

 

Is Prenatal Massage Therapy Safe?

Prenatal massages are a perfectly safe practice for almost all pregnancies, though there are a few things to consider before making an appointment. Every pregnancy is different and we recommend always talking with your physician to ensure that there are no complications with your pregnancy that need to be considered before getting a prenatal massage. 

It may also be a good idea to avoid getting a prenatal massage during the first trimester. It has been reported by women in the past that massages during the first trimester can cause dizziness and sometimes increase the symptoms of morning sickness.

However, if you are in the second or third trimester and your doctor has no issues with it, prenatal massage therapy is an excellent way to help deal with the stress and physical difficulty of being pregnant. 

Because you cannot lie normally on your back or stomach during the later stages of pregnancy, it is important to receive prenatal massages from a massage therapist that specializes in them. At Colorado Massage, we have the right equipment for, have received specialized training in, and have many years of experience in performing prenatal massages. You can trust us to perform massages that are safe and healthy for you and your baby.

 

What Are the Benefits?

There is no shortage of benefits you can see from regular massages during your pregnancy. Here is a quick list of how prenatal massages can help you during your pregnancy:

  • Reduced back pain
  • Reduced joint pain
  • Reduced muscle tension and headaches
  • Improved circulation
  • Reduced symptoms of edema
  • Better sleep
  • Reduced stress and anxiety 

Can Prenatal Massage Therapy Really Treat Anxiety and Depression?

If you struggle with anxiety or depression, or if pregnancy has caused anxiety or depression that you have not experienced in the past, prenatal massage therapy has been proven to be an excellent tool in treating these conditions. 

If you have had difficulties in the past, being pregnant can be particularly difficult because many of the clinical treatments and prescriptions drugs for anxiety and depression are either restricted or not recommended for women who are pregnant. 

There are some prescription drugs that are certainly more dangerous than others during a pregnancy, and it is always something that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to determine whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks that could affect your baby. 

 

This means that if you have previously been able to treat it with prescription drugs, you may be advised by your doctor to stop taking those prescriptions during the time you are pregnant, and sometimes even while you are breastfeeding. Nine months to several-years (depending on how long you plan on breastfeeding) can be a very long time to go without treatment.

Fortunately, there is research that shows that massage therapy both during and after pregnancy can be an effective way to treat stress, anxiety, and depression. This can be a tremendous relief for women who find that other treatments are unavailable during pregnancy — especially for those who are worried about experiencing postpartum depression.

 

What Are You Waiting For?

Prenatal massage therapy truly is an incredible tool for helping relieve the extra stress and tension that comes with being pregnant.  If you or someone you know is having a difficult pregnancy — and let’s be honest, what pregnancy isn’t difficult — then make an appointment for a prenatal massage.

2019-12-30T18:37:29+00:00