Pregnancy (Prenatal) Massage

Is it OK to have Massage when I'm pregnant?
In addition to the fact that muscle work during pregnancy just plain feels good, there are many benefits for the mom-to-be and baby, too.  A study conducted by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed that treatments actually reduce stress hormones in the body.  Touch is vital to the mother's physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image.  Regardless of individual circumstances, a pregnant woman's body is challenged, changed and stressed in many ways.  Body work gives special attention to the mother-to-be, which in turn nurtures the new life that grows within her.

What happens during the treatment?
Special pregnancy body cushions allow the mother-to-be to experience back massage in the face-down position again – right up to full-term!   Pregnancy body work targets low back pain, hip pain and sciatica by releasing tight gluteal (bum) muscles, tendons and ligaments.  This relieves pain and improves blood flow to the lower extremities to resolve leg cramping, a common condition associated with pregnancy.  Body cushions also allow massage in the side-laying position which is particularly effective in the 2nd trimester utilizing specific stretches to mobilize the sacroiliac joints and expand the rib cage to accept the growing uterus.  

Is pregnancy massage for you?
Muscle manipulation during pregnancy is safe for most mothers.  Anne will need to know if you are having any problems or complications with your pregnancy before you begin.   If you are, then you will be required to get written approval from your primary health care provider before proceeding with
any body work.

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Benefits Include:

• emotional support and nurturing touch;
• relaxation and decreased insomnia;
• stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, lower back and pelvis;
• neck and back pain relief caused by muscle imbalance and weakness;
• assistance in maintaining proper posture;
• preparing the muscles used during childbirth;
• reduced swelling in hands and feet;
• lessened sciatic pain;
• fewer calf cramps;
• headache and sinus congestion relief.

Contraindications:

The following are circumstances in which treatment should not be performed:

• heavy discharge (watery or bloody);
• diabetes;
• contagious illness;
• fever, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• abdominal or unusual pain;
• pre-eclampsia;
• high blood pressure;
• any malignant condition.

  

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Anne Käärid, Natural Health Therapies
380 13th Street West, Front Door
Owen Sound, ON  N4K 3W6  |  519.377.6645  |  anne@kaarid.ca   
The cancellation policy requires that you notify the office 24 hours in advance in order to avoid a 100% charge. Unfortunately, arriving late for a service may require the length of your treatment to be shortened.
© Anne Käärid 2013, 2014