Postpartum Benefits
Reasons to Consult your Physician before a Massage Session
•High Risk Pregnancy
•Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PHI)
•Preeclampsia
•Previous Pre-Term Labor
•Experiencing severe swelling (edema)
•High Blood Pressure
•Sudden and/or Severe Headaches
Pregnancy Massage in Somerset
Questions and Answers
Why do I have to wait until my 13th week to have my first massage?
Massage can be safe before 13 weeks but to err on the side of caution it is recommended to wait because of a naturally higher risk of miscarriage during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Do I need to do any thing to prepare for a massage session ?
Yes, if high risk, you need to consult your doctor and bring a written statement saying it is safe for a massage session. Also it is important to drink a glass of water before and after your session to help flush your system.
Improves overall labor outcome
Fewer complications during labor and delivery
Increases overall health of mother and newborn
Helps prevent low birth weight
Massage can help ease the discomforts pregnancy can cause
There are many changes that happen during pregnancy: physiological, spiritual and physical. Let massage help ease the physical discomforts that can occur during pregnancy.
Somerset, KY, 42503 1-859-684-5074
What to Expect....
Once you have reached the 13th week of your pregnancy it is time to receive your first Prenatal Massage. Now is a great time to introduce massage therapy into your life. It helps relieve physical stress and discomfort, improve your sleep patterns and is very beneficial to you and your baby throughout the entire pregnancy.
Pregnancy massage can include many different modalities. For example, most include Swedish massage with long light strokes and gentle pressure to melt away stresses of motherhood. It can also include, but is not limited to, Reflexology and CranioSacral Therapy.
When you arrive you will be asked to fill out an intake form to ensure that there aren’t any contraindications that might affect the type of modality used during the session or in some cases, may not be able to receive a massage therapy session.
After a short consultation you will be asked to get on the massage table. For this type of massage session the table will be dressed with sheets, blankets and multiple pillows for comfort, proper draping technique and stabilization of your body. If you are 13 to 22 weeks you may be able to still lie on your back during a session. After 22 weeks you will be asked to lie on the table in a side position for maximum comfort and to ensure no restriction of any blood vessels during the session from the weight of the baby. Once on the table your session can range from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the time that was reserved prior to the session.
Benefits of Massage
Reduces Stress
Improves blood circulation, relieves congestion, and reduces anxiety by increasing dopamine
and serotonin “feel good hormone” production.
Also decreases norepinephrine “stress hormone” and cortisol “bad fat producing hormone” levels which in-turn leads to a more even hormone level and decreased risk of depression.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Dilates blood vessels which can decrease blood pressure and increase supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells in mother and baby.
Aids in Healing
Eases the strain on the heart by helping to return blood to vital organs, especially in case of forced
inactivity due to illness or bed rest.
Improves Immune System
Pushes movement of lymph throughout the body, thereby strengthening the immune system and helping eliminate toxic waste.
Physical Benefits
Reduces swelling (edema), lessens sciatic pain, eases muscular discomfort from tension and tightening in many areas such as low back, neck , shoulders, decrease in calf cramps, tones loose muscles and reduces headaches.