Amazing benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy

Amazing benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy

As any mother will agree, pregnancy can be a beautiful but uncomfortable journey. Aches and pains throughout the body are common, along with enlarged breasts, hormone fluctuations, morning sickness, difficulty sleeping — the list goes on.

Pregnant women can try various options to ease their discomfort and tend to their wellbeing, including prenatal massage therapy.

This is a fantastic way to treat aches, pains, and more during pregnancy. Research shows regular massage sessions can help pregnant women in a number of ways, physically and mentally.

Let’s take a close look at the most important benefits.

Reduce back pain and sciatica

Back pain, particularly in the lower region, is common among pregnant women. That’s understandable when you consider the major change the body undergoes when carrying a baby.

The body posture changes as the fetus grows, affecting the mother’s center of gravity and the musculoskeletal system over time.

This can lead to sciatica: the muscles compress the sciatic nerve while they adjust to the mother’s new posture. Pain may start to travel from the lower back down through the leg, making movement more difficult.

But massage helps to loosen the muscles contributing to sciatica and eases the pressure on the sciatic nerve.

A qualified, experienced therapist will know exactly how to apply pressure to the body to ease back pain safely, and cultivate a more comfortable pregnancy.

Ease leg cramps

Leg cramps during pregnancy have the power to disrupt mobility significantly. Pregnant women may find their legs becoming uncomfortable whether sitting, lying down, or walking.

This is believed to be caused by a number of factors, including:

• lack of blood flow to muscles when sitting or lying down for long periods of time, due to the pressure placed on blood vessels by the baby

• extra load on the leg muscles and bones

• low intake of calcium, magnesium, and other key minerals may contribute

Massage therapy is ideal for helping to reduce leg cramps during pregnancy. Concentrated pressure and manipulation on the leg muscles stimulates circulation. It also stretches muscles, relieving discomfort in affected areas.

Regular leg massages performed by an expert therapist can help pregnant women feel more comfortable, both when active and still.

Decrease depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety during pregnancy can make this journey even more of a challenge. Whether this is a pre-existing condition or one that develops during pregnancy, women experiencing depression or anxiety should speak to their doctor immediately.

Medical professionals may recommend a number of treatments for combating mental health issues affecting pregnant women. And massage therapy has been shown to help ease symptoms.

Studies have found that pregnant women receiving regular massages experienced lower depression and anxiety: cortisol levels decreased and serotonin levels increased. 

Another study found that women undergoing massage therapy twice per week across a three-month period experienced reduced depression and cortisol levels after giving birth too. Women in this study were also less likely to give birth prematurely.

Making time for regular massages during pregnancy is a terrific way to relax, focus on feeling good, and enjoy being pampered.

Increase immunity for you and your baby

Massage therapy increases circulation. This helps oxygen and essential nutrients to move throughout the body. Toxins are also flushed out more effectively.

Active blood flow ensures the mother and baby receive the nutrients they both need to stay in good health during pregnancy. The immune system will be strengthened, too, as certain blood cells transmitted through the bloodstream can help to combat infection. 

Encourage better sleep

Pregnancy can leave women exhausted but unable to sleep, due to fluctuating hormones, unbalanced energy levels, and physical discomfort. Finding the right position may be particularly tough, especially as the bump gets bigger and bigger.

Lack of sleep can contribute to emotional and mental difficulties. Fortunately, a pregnancy massage stimulates production of serotonin (a “happy hormone”) melatonin (the “sleep hormone”).

With higher melatonin levels, you’ll feel more relaxed and ready to sleep. Hopefully, this will contribute to a more restful night’s sleep, and prepare your body and mind for the next day.

It’s important to speak with your doctor or midwife if you’re experiencing significant sleep difficulties. They’ll be happy to offer additional solutions. 

How is a prenatal massage performed?

Astra Medi Spa’s experienced therapists will help you to lie on your side before they perform your prenatal massage. Special cushioning is used to keep you comfortable and safe throughout your massage.

Your therapist will be happy to answer any questions you may have before, during, and after your massage.

All treatments are performed in a relaxed, soothing atmosphere, with the latest facilities to maximize your comfort.

What other massages are available for after your pregnancy?

Prenatal massage is just one of the treatments available at Astra Medi Spa. Whether you want to book yourself in for a massage after you’ve given birth and you’re adapting to life as a new mom, or you’d like to schedule a pamper session for a friend or loved one who helped you reach this point, our extensive selection of massage options includes something for everyone.

A Swedish massage is just the thing to chase stress away, stimulate your circulatory system, and relax. You can even book this as a couple for a precious thank-you treat.

And our Hot Stone Massage uses volcanic rocks to encourage healthy circulation and help you unwind. It’s a luxury treatment for when you deserve to feel better than ever.

Book your prenatal massage with Astra Medi Spa

A prenatal massage is a wonderful way to relax, reduce the physical discomfort of pregnancy, and enjoy some time to yourself in our luxurious spa.

Whether as a one-off or a regular treatment, our prenatal massage has helped many moms-to-be relieve the aches, pains, and stresses that come with this exciting journey.

We’ll provide you with a free consultation to talk you through your pregnancy massage and make sure you know exactly what to expect.

Book your prenatal massage with Astra Medi Spa today!