Awaiting the birth of your child is an exciting time. There's so much to do between getting your baby's nursery ready and preparing yourself to take on the new role of parent. However, it's important to take time for yourself in the midst of all the hustle and bustle. Self-care is a vital part of any pregnancy, and massage can be a wonderful addition to any self-care routine. Here are three ways massage can benefit expectant mothers.
1. Reduce stress.
Stress is never good for your health. It can lead to weight gain, ulcers, and even heart disease, but it's even worse for expectant mothers. According to WebMD, chronic stress in pregnant women can lead to developmental and behavioral issues in babies. This is why it's crucial that you find time to relax throughout the day. Massage has been scientifically proven to relieve stress and promote a state of relaxation. It can even help to reduce anxiety and make it less likely that you will develop postpartum depression.
2. Soothe aches and pains.
Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy in order to accommodate your growing baby. For instance, your body produces a hormone called relaxin to help your hips shift to make room for labor. Unfortunately, some of these changes can cause you discomfort. Swollen feet, sore back, and joint pains are all common symptoms of pregnancy. Prenatal massage is a great way to relieve your pain in a way that's safe for you and your child. Unlike over-the-counter drugs which can have side effects that affect your baby, massage is an all-natural pain relief method.
3. Ease labor.
Massage doesn't only have benefits for prenatal care. It can also be helpful during labor. If you're hoping to have an all natural, drug-free birth, you'll need alternate methods of managing the discomfort of labor. Meditation, deep breathing, and massage are all great tools to have in your arsenal. Ask your partner to give you a shoulder, back, or foot massage during labor to ground you and keep your mind off your contractions.
It's important to have your massage performed by a licensed massage therapist who has experience working with pregnant women. Although massage is perfectly safe, there are certain areas which should be avoided, such as your stomach. Remember to take care of yourself throughout your pregnancy, since you will be better equipped to care for your baby when you're in good health. These are just a few of the ways that weekly or monthly massages can benefit you as an expectant mother.
For more information, reach out to companies like Progressive Chiropractic.
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