Prenatal Massage:
Prenatal massage shares many of the goals of regular massage; to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good. It's also tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies.
Most women find it uncomfortable to lie facedown during pregnancy. On the other hand, it's not a good idea to lie flat on your back either, particularly once you're past mid-pregnancy, because the weight of your uterus puts too much pressure on the vein that returns blood from your legs to your heart. Many Prenatal massages are performed with you can laying on your side and hugging a full-length body pillow for support.
Carrying a baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, so that your pelvic joints are less stable, and changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that the extra weight you're carrying and you've got yourself an aching lower back.
A trained prenatal massage therapist knows where a pregnant woman's sore spots are likely to be and may be able to provide some relief. But don't forget to communicate with them and tell them where you need attention.
One of the most important aspects of Prenatal massage is to just relax and let someone take care of you for a while.
Prenatal massage shares many of the goals of regular massage; to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good. It's also tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies.
Most women find it uncomfortable to lie facedown during pregnancy. On the other hand, it's not a good idea to lie flat on your back either, particularly once you're past mid-pregnancy, because the weight of your uterus puts too much pressure on the vein that returns blood from your legs to your heart. Many Prenatal massages are performed with you can laying on your side and hugging a full-length body pillow for support.
Carrying a baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, so that your pelvic joints are less stable, and changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that the extra weight you're carrying and you've got yourself an aching lower back.
A trained prenatal massage therapist knows where a pregnant woman's sore spots are likely to be and may be able to provide some relief. But don't forget to communicate with them and tell them where you need attention.
One of the most important aspects of Prenatal massage is to just relax and let someone take care of you for a while.
