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pinaytherapist

Massage and Pregnancy

I wish I received massages when I was pregnant with my child. My body went through so many changes quickly and remembered having back pains, leg and feet cramps, body aches and breathing problems. One good thing I did was stay active by walking a lot. I was taking the stairs even when I was already 8 months and it was hard to breath as I climbed the steps. Fortunately, I had an easy birthing process, less than an hour of indescribable, extreme, tormenting pain, and my daughter came out. I was drawn to working with prenatal clients because I’ve been there. Some therapist prefer to work with athletes, dancers or orthopedic clients but for me, my speciality is pregnant clients. Some of the benefits pregnant clients receive from getting regular massage include: improved circulation, pain relief, reduces edema, decreased feelings of anxiety and symptoms of depression, improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles, better sleep, support for overall wellbeing and preparation for labor and birth.

The best massage positioning would be side-lying as this helps support the structures in her changing body. Lying on the left side allows for optimum maternal cardiac functioning and fetal oxygenation. In other words, this positioning optimally and efficiently helps blood travel from the heart to the placenta, uterus and kidneys. There are bolsters and special cushions that allow for the client to lay prone, like in a regular massage with the head down and on your belly if they are comfortable in that position. I’ve used these with my clients and the feedback was generally positive. It really depends on the comfort level, how far along are they in the pregnancy and the size of their belly. Personally, I would think laying on the side, especially if I had a huge belly would feel more comfortable and allow for better breathing.

Massage is a wonderful way to provide nurturance and support for the mom to be. As her body goes through dramatic changes, her mind may also feel anxious at times, maybe worried. Her body and mind can benefit from the therapeutic touch that helps to ease her mind and help her relax and bring a sense of calm. Her body would benefit from the therapeutic touch to open up tight spaces and creating length in those tight musculature. She would also learn to hold space for herself, accepting the many emotions of ups and downs that comes with pregnancy, and look forward to the next transition when she gives birth.

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