What Are the Benefits of Pregnancy Massage?
Taking proper care of yourself during your pregnancy is essential for anyone who wants to stay mentally and physically healthy. What that means can depend heavily on the person and their individual health and needs. Due to the number of activities and substances that can be dangerous for pregnant women, sometimes it can be hard to find self-care options that feel safe.
It’s essential that you do your research before trying anything new, especially when you’re pregnant, but it’s worth finding ways you can treat yourself while you’re pregnant. Massages are a great option, especially since they can help you manage many uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about all the benefits of pregnancy massages.
Is a massage a good idea when you’re pregnant?
A pregnancy massage can be a great way to help take care of yourself and take some time off your feet to relax. There are also several practical benefits to getting a massage while you’re pregnant. Research illustrates that massage therapy can help with hormone regulation, reduce swelling, alleviate several sources of discomfort, and improve your circulation. Pregnant women are often susceptible to dealing with these symptoms for a portion of or even the duration of their pregnancy.
When looking for a massage therapist, look for professionals that have years of experience working with pregnant women. It’s beneficial to work with someone who has years of experience with the specific issues you’re facing, rather than a generalist who may not know the ins and outs of working with someone who is pregnant. With some research, you should be able to find a therapist in your area who can provide quality service at a reasonably affordable price.
What are some other self-care ideas for pregnant women?
One of the most important times in your life to prioritize self-care is throughout the duration of your pregnancy. One way to do that, if you haven’t already, is to connect with a mental health professional. Pregnancy affects all aspects of your mind and body, and even people who don’t regularly deal with mental health issues can find themselves struggling while pregnant. Post-partum depression is also common, with severe cases occurring in up to 15% of pregnancies.
Staying active and engaged is also a good idea, as much as you’re able to. Especially in the later months of pregnancy, it can be hard to find activities that make you happy or keep you entertained that don’t cause discomfort or require too much effort. Talk to other members of your household about ways they can help you have fun and relax at home, and look for hobbies that might help pass the time when you just want to lay down on the couch. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it makes to have an engaging activity you can participate in on a regular basis.
There are a number of things you can do for yourself or to help a pregnant woman in your life manage her pregnancy. Self-care is incredibly important, as is being able to mitigate some of the discomfort associated with pregnancy. Swollen feet, back soreness, and extreme stress are common experiences for those who are pregnant. Maternal massages can help relieve pain, promote blood flow, and promote relaxation during a stressful time. It’s a good idea to look for massage therapists who specialize in working with pregnant women, as the treatments will likely be designed specifically to help those who need a prenatal or postnatal massage. A professional, high-quality massage in the middle of an exhausting pregnancy can be just what an expecting mother needs.
