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Pregnancy Massage During pregnancy, muscles are constantly flexing to balance and accommodate the mother’s ever-changing centre of gravity. Massage offers continuous nurturing, relaxing care throughout and after pregnancy to help relieve the related discomforts. Pregnancy massage can also provide mothers with a source of related reliable information, regarding some appropriate techniques to prepare for and to apply during labour which can help with relaxation, pain relief and the progression of the labour. Massage during pregnancy can relieve common pregnancy discomforts including insomnia, stress, lumbar/pelvic/sacral pain, hip or leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, leg cramps, upper back or pectoral girdle pain, arm/hand discomforts such as carpal tunnel, breathing difficulties, hypertension, neck pain and headaches. Prone positioning (face down, lying on your tummy) on a flat therapy table exerts strain on the lumbar, pelvis and uterine structures. Therefore, most health professionals do NOT support the use of commercial “Pregnancy Support” pillows, tables with cut-out ovals or slings/nets to ‘support’ the belly because they further strain the uterine ligaments and create increased intrauterine pressure – especially when even more pressure is applied with a massage! Prone positioning is only appropriate for the first trimester (conception to the end of 13 weeks). During the Second and Third Trimester, side-lying is the best position (mother lies on her side with her bottom leg slightly bent and her upper leg bent at the knee, straight out from the hip, supported with pillows). Normally the mother lies on one side to be massaged, then will turn over to the second side. However if prenatal complications exist (placental abnormalities, hypertensive disorders, decreased foetal movements etc), lying on the LEFT side promotes optimal maternal and foetal circulation. From 13-22 weeks – supine positioning (face up, lying on your back) with knees raised and supported with a pillow, pillow support under the head, arms placed on the abdomen to relax the shoulders and support pillow under the right hip to tilt hip for blood flow is recommended. From 22 weeks to birth - semi-reclining at a 45 degree angle with cushioning under the knees is recommended. Some Pregnancy Facts ü Blood volume increases by 30-50% ü The need for oxygen increases by 15-20% ü Half of the 'extra' oxygen needed is for baby ü Half of the oxygen supports the increased demand on mother’s heart & kidneys ü Mother’s heart enlarges and the veins work harder ü The uterus increases in size by 1000% and weighs 300% more ü Skin changes occur and stretch marks may develop ü Swelling occurs in around 75% of women during late 2nd and 3rd trimester ü Swelling is particularly common in the lower extremities ü Relaxin (hormone produced at 2 weeks) softens connective tissue in the body ü Relaxin helps prepare for labour with high levels in early and late pregnancy ü Pregnant women are susceptible to joint instability, strain and muscular fatigue ü Mothers breastfeed for approximately 40 hours a week! ü Mid back pain is common due to poor support and posture with breastfeeding ü Ligaments remain loose for some time after birth ü Post-natally a risk of injury is possible from sudden movements Pregnancy Massage Benefits ü Same Benefits as Remedial “Massage Benefits” ü Improves blood flow to all areas – greater nutrition for baby too! ü Increases lymphatic circulation (waste product removal) ü Alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints and structures ü Maintains muscle, ligament, tendon and joint flexibility ü Reduces discomfort, muscle spasms, leg cramps and swelling ü Relaxes mother and baby by decreasing stress and fatigue ü Provides emotional support, nurturing and body awareness ü Eases and may shorten discomfort and pain during birth Post-Partum Massage Benefits ü Same Benefits as Remedial “Massage Benefits” ü Enhances recovery of muscle tissues ü Relieves fatigue (from birth and lack of sleep with a newborn) ü Supports efficient hormone production ü Improves mood (can help decrease postnatal depression) ü Induces relaxation (helps with milk “let down”) ü Facilitates post partum structural realignment of spine and pelvis Frequently Asked Pregnancy Massage Q’s Q: When can I have a Pregnancy massage? ‘Healthy’ clients can be massaged safely from the first trimester through to post-partum recovery. Many therapists chose to avoid massage in the first trimester because it is a high-risk time for miscarriage and the therapist does not want to be “blamed” for the miscarriage. However, many women are massaged with no ill effects during the first trimester, ,sometimes before they even realise they are pregnant. Clients used to regular massage or those trying to conceive should continue their regular treatments – but inform their therapist so the techniques and aromatherapy can be altered to suit. Clients who do not get regular massage probably won’t even think to get a massage until their body starts to strain later in pregnancy. Ultimately, it is the client’s choice – unless a medical situation dictates otherwise. Always consult your doctor. Q: What about blood clots? Pregnancy alters blood clotting capacity to prevent women from haemorrhaging. Thus blood clots or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) are more likely during pregnancy, especially when sedentary (eg. bed rest) and 8-10 weeks after childbirth, the risk remains high. Caesarean births carry 2-3 times the risk of clotting. All leg work is avoided in ‘at risk’ women and certain massage techniques (for example deep tissue, cross fibre friction, acupressure) are avoided during pregnancy and post-partum for 8-10 weeks. Q: When should I NOT have a pregnancy Massage? High-risk pregnancies, such as a previous problem-pregnancy, current illness, high blood pressure and women on bed rest, need to consult with their doctor and obtain a written release before receiving massage. It is always advisable to consult your health practitioner before any pregnancy massage. Q: What can I do to prepare for my massage? For comfort, client’s should empty their bladder before and after massage. An increased frequency of urination occurs because the uterus puts pressure on the bladder during pregnancy. Follow all other usual preparations (as for remedial massage). Q: What about post-partum massage? All pregnancy precautions must be followed, especially regarding leg massage. Massage is generally not appropriate if maternal complications have occurred and a written healthcare provider’s release must be obtained in such a case. The side-lying position is still most appropriate unless the mother prefers to lie prone, being well-supported with pillows especially under her chest. No deep pressure is applied at the epidural site until residual tenderness is resolved, Swollen ankles and feet are common especially after an epidural. Working the logistics of childcare and feeding can be the hard part - if necessary, a woman can breastfeed during her massage and a foot massage is usually provided until she has settled her baby. If possible, finding a babysitter for an hour is always an added bonus and makes a nice break for busy new mums. Q: Can I purchase a gift of Massage? Focus On Massage gift certificates are available - simply name the amount you would like to spend or the time frame you would like to give and ring and arrange a time to collect your gift certificate. Pregnancy is a perfect time to receive massage but also consider giving a gift of massage for new parents or even empower the parents to learn how to massage their baby with an infant massage class! Gift certificates allow you to give someone special a gift of health through massage - it's a gift they can truly enjoy! For more information on pricing and gift voucher terms and conditions, please refer to "Pricing"
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