What you need to know about Pre-natal Chair Massage
Pregnancy brings countless changes to your body. Carrying a baby changes your center of gravity, causing stress in your muscles, joints, shoulders and particularly your lower back. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments causing your pelvic joints to be less stable, changing your posture and pulling your pelvis forward. The extra weight of your baby along with an unstable pelvis, and you’ve got yourself an aching lower back! Despite many of these uncomfortable changes, many women have discovered a way to ease some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy and even improve their labor and delivery. The secret is prenatal massage in our specially designed chair that supports the breasts and belly in a very comfortable way.
The therapeutic benefits of massage have been known for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress and relieve muscle tension however, the benefits of massage for pregnant women and even infants are a relatively new discovery. Fortunately, research is proving that prenatal massage can be a very instrumental ingredient in prenatal care and should be given careful consideration.
Studies have shown that prenatal massage can:
Studies show that just a 20 minute massage twice per week for five weeks reduces stress hormones in the body, improves mood and sleep patterns, and reduces anxiety and back pain. Studies also show that women who received regular massages during pregnancy had lower rates of premature birth, fewer obstetrical problems, and their babies had a lower rate of post-natal complications.
Pre-natal Chair Massage is safe in all stages of pregnancy for healthy women. However, it is recommended that you check with your physician or mid-wife before beginning any new treatment or procedure when you are pregnant as there are several conditions that may pose a risk: heavy discharge, gestational diabetes, unusual pain, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension, early labor or threatened miscarriage, placental dysfunction or any high risk pregnancy.
The benefits of massage can improve overall pre-natal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of your prenatal care provider, massage can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health.
Dagmar MacDonald RHN/ROHP, CCMP
Certified Massage Practitioner
Pre-Natal Chair Massage is now available in the clinic of the Leeds-Grenville Midwives, 51 King St E, Brockville ON.
For more information, go to www.leedsgrenvillemidwives.ca
The therapeutic benefits of massage have been known for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress and relieve muscle tension however, the benefits of massage for pregnant women and even infants are a relatively new discovery. Fortunately, research is proving that prenatal massage can be a very instrumental ingredient in prenatal care and should be given careful consideration.
Studies have shown that prenatal massage can:
- Relieve depression, anxiety and nervousness caused by hormonal changes
- Increase blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling and improve oxygenation
- Relieve muscle discomfort such as cramping, tightening, and stiffness
- Reduce pain and encourage relaxation, which can facilitate labor
- Improve muscle and skin tone
- Relieve stress or hormone-related headaches
- Provide emotional support through nurturing touch
- Promote relaxation and relieve insomnia through increase serotonin levels
- Relieve stress on weight bearing joints such as the lower back, pelvis and ankles
- Alleviate neck, shoulder and back discomfort caused by muscle strain
- Improve sciatic nerve pain and back tension
Studies show that just a 20 minute massage twice per week for five weeks reduces stress hormones in the body, improves mood and sleep patterns, and reduces anxiety and back pain. Studies also show that women who received regular massages during pregnancy had lower rates of premature birth, fewer obstetrical problems, and their babies had a lower rate of post-natal complications.
Pre-natal Chair Massage is safe in all stages of pregnancy for healthy women. However, it is recommended that you check with your physician or mid-wife before beginning any new treatment or procedure when you are pregnant as there are several conditions that may pose a risk: heavy discharge, gestational diabetes, unusual pain, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension, early labor or threatened miscarriage, placental dysfunction or any high risk pregnancy.
The benefits of massage can improve overall pre-natal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of your prenatal care provider, massage can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health.
Dagmar MacDonald RHN/ROHP, CCMP
Certified Massage Practitioner
Pre-Natal Chair Massage is now available in the clinic of the Leeds-Grenville Midwives, 51 King St E, Brockville ON.
For more information, go to www.leedsgrenvillemidwives.ca
