June 8, 2006 by Maria Kimos, CMT
Massage during pregnancy is a wonderful way to find therapeutic relief for expectant mothers. Pregnancy massage is best utilized after the first trimester. There are many benefits to pre-natal massage:
- Provides relief for sore muscles and joints
- Helps with fatigue and improves circulation
- Reduces swelling and water retention, especially in the lower body
- Is an excellent way to manage stress
- Improves flexibility facilitating your body’s changing shape
Taking time for a massage is also important for expectant mothers who often continue to lead busy lives and can sometimes neglect to care for themselves. It is important to remember how essential the mother’s health is to the growing baby inside her. For many expectant mothers a massage appointment is one of the few moments of rest afforded during the pregnancy.
Finding a therapist with additional certification specific to pre and post-natal massage is important. There are some risks associated with massage during pregnancy and additional trading is helpful to avoid any potential negative effects. It is recommended to schedule a massage once per month up to the delivery date as a preventative measure. More frequent visits can be useful if specific problems develop such as low back pain.
