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prenatal massage therapy pregnancy aches and pains

Prenatal Massage Therapy

Written by Luis Echeverry on . Posted in Transformation.

A professional massage can melt away your aches and pain along with giving you an overall improved mind and body experience.  Well, prenatal massage is no different in the results area.  Except that maybe it is even more of a relief with all the extra aches, pains, and swelling pregnancy can bring with it.  Research shows prenatal massage can be a helpful treatment in a women’s prenatal care.  

Here are some common questions and answers about prenatal massage. 

Are Massages Safe for Pregnant Women? 

Some practitioners will advise expecting mothers to wait until the second trimester of pregnancy before giving prenatal massage a go. As long as you receive the ok from your doc and let the therapist know you are expecting, prenatal massage is typically safe at any stage of pregnancy.  Expecting mothers should not lie on their back after the fourth month of pregnancy.  When lying on your back circulation to your placenta is reduced and blood flow can be compressed from the weight of the baby and uterus.   

Most massage therapists can work on a pregnant woman, however, not all therapists have the bed equipped just for expectant mothers.  There is no specific certification for prenatal massage, but there are maternal massage trainings that a therapist can attend.  You should schedule with an experienced prenatal massage therapist, as they will know which areas require attention and how you should be positioned.  Call or text to schedule a prenatal massage for yourself or an expecting mother you know at Drivenfit today at (813) 440-3016.  

 

Benefits of Massage Therapy 

What are the benefits of prenatal massage? Well, just like a regular massage, prenatal massage has a list of benefits to your mind and body. Prenatal massage can:   

  • reduce stress hormones  
  • relax your muscles  
  • increase blood flow 
  • flush out toxins from your body  

Some other ailments that may be reduced with prenatal massage can include relief from insomnia, joint pain, neck and back pain, leg cramping, and sciatica. Additionally, it can relieve carpal tunnel pain, and alleviate headaches and sinus congestion, and reduce swelling in your hands and feet. Massage can also reduce depression and anxiety, which are extremely important during pregnancy.  Check out some of the other massages we offer at Drivenfit here. 

 

Prenatal Massage Differences 

Curious to know how it differs from massages you may have had before?

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes, and prenatal massages are adapted for that. The positioning will be different with a prenatal massage.  Unless there is a special belly bed at your massage therapist you will not be lying on your tummy.  Whereas the majority of the time during your traditional massage will be spent lying face down.  During your second and third trimester, you should not lie on your back so your prenatal massage is typically done on your side with cushions for support.   

Deep tissue work on your legs during a prenatal massage is not recommended because blood clots are more easily formed during pregnancy.  While gentle pressure is applied to the legs you can choose a more intense pressure on other areas.  If you feel any pain or discomfort, let your therapist know so they can adjust what they are doing. 

 

Indulge in a Prenatal Massage 

Pregnancy massage varies and can include anything from a full–body Swedish massage to light massage work. These other modalities such as circulatory work, reflexology, or cranial sacral therapy are all very helpful forms of therapy. Massage is a wonderful way to help alleviate many of these discomforts during pregnancy, as well as promotes a sense of well-being. 

 

Call or text to schedule a prenatal massage for yourself or an expecting mother you know at Drivenfit today at (813) 440-3016.   

 

 

 

*Always check with your doctor before scheduling your prenatal massage. If you have morning sickness, preeclampsia, diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, a contagious virus, abdominal pain or bleeding you should avoid prenatal massage. Call us with any questions. 

Pregnancy Pains Benefits of Prenatal Massage Driven South Tampa Massage

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Written by Luis Echeverry on . Posted in Transformation.

Many women ask if massage is safe to relieve their pregnancy pains and safe for their growing child. The women who have experienced it will tell you that prenatal massage is a lifesaver, especially during late pregnancy. Numerous scientific studies back up this sentiment and found that prenatal massage can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Here Dr. Sarah Sponaugle of our South Tampa gym and wellness studio takes a closer look at the many benefits of prenatal massage.

Reduction of Swelling

Swollen ankles and a belly getting heavier by the day…Reduced swelling is a major benefit to prenatal massage. Edema is the swelling of joints during pregnancy, often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the uterus.

Pregnancy massage therapy stimulates soft tissues and reduces the collection of fluids in swollen joints.

Hormone Regulation

Hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to a woman’s prenatal care routine.

Levels of bad hormones (norepinephrine and cortisol, a.k.a stress hormones) were reduced while levels of good hormones (dopamine and serotonin) levels were increased. These changes in hormone levels have been proven to improve moods, lower stress, improve cardiovascular health, reduce labor and delivery complications, and reduce newborn complications, such as low birth weight.

Improvement of Nerve Pain

One of the more common aches during pregnancy is sciatic nerve pain. This typically occurs in late pregnancy as the heavy uterus rests on muscles of the lower back and pelvic floor. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell. In turn, putting pressure on nearby nerves.

Massage therapy releases tension of these muscles to ease the pain of the inflamed nerves.

Shorter Labor & Newborn Health

Prenatal massage therapy has several benefits for both mom and her future child. Studies have shown massage helps increase chances for a shorter less painful labor. Plus, these babies tend to have higher Neonatal Behavioral Assessment scores. Those who add this as part of their prenatal care also showed less likelihood of premature birth.

Additionally, these studies indicated when a woman is depressed during pregnancy. Massage can help reduce depression (thanks, hormone regulation) by the time her baby is born. These moms were more likely to have reduced depression and cortisol levels postpartum.

Prenatal Massage in South Tampa, FL

Prenatal massage therapy has several benefits. Reduce swelling, improve and regulate your pregnancy hormones, and relieve lower back and sciatic nerve pain. Including massage therapy as part of your prenatal care plan, you can even improve labor outcomes and newborn health. We recommend at least receiving a session at least once a month.

Choose Driven Fit + Sponaugle Wellness Studio in Tampa, Florida for prenatal massage therapy. Our licensed professional massage therapist has received training beyond the national standards for prenatal massage. Make an appointment with the best massage therapists in South Tampa!

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Jessica Bull Testimonial

Jessica Bull


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Gratefully,

Jessica

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Andrew Brown Testimonial

Andrew Brown


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Jason Arnold Testimonial

Jason Arnold


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~ Jason Arnold

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