Massage has been used effectively to relieve muscular tension, reduce stress, and improve overall health for centuries. From simple measured touches which soothe the body, massage has developed into various techniques that can address various health issues.
Today, massages during pregnancy provide immense health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, decreasing symptoms of depression, relieving muscle and joint pains, and, most importantly, improving labor outcomes and the newborn baby’s health.
We believe that for the specific lifestyle of Portsmouth, NH residents, offering massage and holistic treatments shouldn’t be the same as those provided by countless other locations. Instead, Massage and Wellness Collective is a community and not a business. For expectant mothers, we provide more than just prenatal massages. We have created a place where they can experience a sanctuary – somewhere they can retreat to, wind down, and feel at home. Our center’s main goal and primary focus is to know each client as a person, recognize their specific needs, and provide services that work best for them.
Massage therapy, beyond making expectant mothers feel good, is now considered a form of complementary medicine. Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in a woman’s life. However, this phase is also accompanied by discomfort, weight gain, hormonal changes, and structural alignment changes in the body. Studies done over the last few decades have provided proof of the effectiveness of prenatal massage, not only for relaxation and stress reduction but for numerous other benefits for the expectant mother and the developing baby:
The reduced circulation and increased pressure on major blood vessels by the uterus bearing a child can cause edema or swelling of joints during pregnancy. Massage helps stimulate soft tissue to reduce collection of fluid in the swollen joints. Prenatal massage also improves the lymphatic system’s ability to carry away tissue waste. Once tissue wastes are reduced, the expecting mother will experience an energy boost.
Hormonal levels associated with stress and relaxation are significantly altered during massage therapy. This improvement in hormone levels leads to better cardiovascular health and mood regulation. Hormones, such as cortisol and norepinephrine, are reduced in women who receive bi-weekly massages for five weeks. On the other hand, hormone levels for serotonin and dopamine increase. Otherwise, lower levels of these hormones are associated with depression. The result of these changes in hormone levels leads to a lowered chance of complications during birth with fewer instances of difficulties for the newborn baby.
Pregnancy typically results in an increased blood flow to mucus membranes. Because of this increase in blood flow, expectant mothers often experience headaches and sinusitis. By providing stimulation on specific trigger points, prenatal massages relieve these issues by keeping muscle spasms to a minimum.
Pregnant women experience many types of pain, such as headaches, carpal tunnel, sciatica, muscle aches, and feelings of discomfort. The release of serotonin during prenatal massage fights off recurring aches and pain.
Maintaining normal blood pressure levels is critical during pregnancy and childbirth. Another benefit of prenatal massages is aiding blood circulation and easing the load on the expecting mother’s heart. Prenatal massages maintain her blood pressure at an optimum level, thereby reducing varicose veins.
The expectant mother’s body changes drastically during pregnancy due to the evolving hormone levels, which relax the ligaments and tendons to accommodate the increase in the size of the belly. The improvement of flexibility can be critical during the birth process. Prenatal massages prevent stiffness of the surrounding muscles. Moreover, prenatal massages also reduce muscle cramps.
Because prenatal massages facilitate the improvement of systemic blood circulation, it also stimulates the increase in oxygen and nutrients reaching the fetus, thereby improving the health of the unborn baby.
The benefits of prenatal massages in reducing lower back pain, muscle spasms, and stiffness will help expectant mothers improve contraction during delivery.
Prenatal massages relax the nerves, which induces a calming effect on the brain. In addition, the benefits of hormone regulation, pain relief, and reduction of swelling help expectant mothers get better sleep during pregnancy.
Reducing stress relieves expectant mothers from the psychological impact of mental changes in their bodies during pregnancy. The relaxation provided by prenatal massage significantly impacts a pregnant woman’s emotional well-being.
Pregnant women must consult a health professional before receiving prenatal massage. Women with the following health conditions will require clearance from their doctor:
Prenatal massage significantly improve the mental and physical well-being of expectant mothers. Best of all, the unborn baby will also enjoy health benefits. Along with the guidance of a prenatal care provider, prenatal massage incorporated into prenatal care provides the emotional, mental, and physical care pregnant mothers need to improve the outcome of their pregnancy. Moreover, with a relaxed atmosphere in a sanctuary provided by Massage and Wellness Collective, expectant mothers will have the perfect environment in Portsmouth, NH, where they can get the proper attention and rest that they truly deserve.
To learn about our prenatal massage services, visit our massage page. To book an appointment, call us at (603) 373-8780 or fill out the form located on the massage page. For expectant mothers, we are excited to treat women between 13 to 38 weeks into their pregnancy. You may also fill out the intake form to ensure that we can provide the best massage therapy you require.