Pregnancy is one of the most fulfilling conditions for a woman. On the other hand, it can also be the most painful experience since the mother-to-be goes through dramatic changes during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the expectant mother experiences:

* Heart increases blood volume up to 50%.

* Blood flow in the kidney increases by 35%

* Lungs increase oxygen consumption by over 10%

* Increased urination

* Breakouts, rashes and skin discoloration

* Weight gain, stressing the bones and joints

* The digestive system becomes displaced

* The diaphragm, stomach and intestines are pushed upward by the uterus

Massage during pregnancy is a therapeutic practice that can relieve most of these common pains, reduce the occurrence and even prevent them from happening. In addition, massage therapy can relieve mental fatigue, enhance muscle and joint functions and improve circulation as well as general body tone.

Massage therapy and Pregnancy

Today, massage therapy for pregnant women, more commonly known as "prenatal massage", is a fast developing field in the United States. It has attracted professionals such as delivery nurses, obstetricians, midwives and childbirth educators.

The popularity of this field is the result of women leaning towards wellness during pregnancy. Since most women today postpone childbirth until becoming stable with their relationships and career, they find alternative approaches that can alleviate the pain from traditional pregnancy.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

The stressful and uncomfortable experiences during pregnancy can be reduced by massage therapy. It can particularly help in:

* Alleviating muscle cramping, stiffness, tightness and tension

* Relieving headaches, backaches, sore feet, edema, stiff necks and sciatica

* Increasing nutrients and oxygen to the mother and fetus’ cells

* Stabilizing hormone levels

* Increasing muscle flexibility

* Relaxing and having better sleep

* Increasing circulation

* Reducing stress on the heart

* Eliminating waste products through the circulatory and lymphatic system

* Decreasing insomnia

* Relieves neck and back pains caused by muscle weakness and imbalance

* Assisting proper posture

* Reducing hands and feet swelling

* Lessening sciatic pain

* Relieving sinus congestion

* An easier childbirth

* Increasing milk production

* Speeds up healing during postpartum recovery or after cesarean birth

* Realigning pelvis after birth

* Relieving stiffness and soreness after childbirth

In addition to these physical benefits of massage therapy for pregnancy, it just feels good for the expectant mother to receive a soothing human touch. Plus, a study conducted by Miami’s School of Medicine showed that massage therapy could reduce stress hormones in the body.

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