One of the most important things to consider first is to choose a massage therapist who is certified in prenatal massage therapy. Certified prenatal massage therapists have received additional training beyond national standards and have experience dealing with specific pregnancy needs. They also know how to appropriately position your body in a side-lying manner so that there is no strain to the uterine ligaments. Another thing a certified prenatal massage therapist can watch out for is a sign of blood clots or varicose veins. Some prenatal massage therapists offer a table with a hole in it for you to position your stomach through but they aren\u2019t always reliable and can apply too much pressure to your belly, which can cause unnecessary stretching. If you\u2019re not sure, call the massage therapist prior to your visit to verify which way they will position you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Benefits to prenatal massage therapy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOverall, the benefits to prenatal massage therapy are numerous. Massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains and improve labor and delivery. Other additional benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Hormone regulation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen massage therapy is part of a woman\u2019s prenatal care, hormone levels associated with stress and relaxation are greatly affected. Studies show that women who received the prenatal massages for five weeks experienced a drop in norepinephrine and cortisol, which are hormones associated with stress. The same group of women also saw an increase in dopamine and serotonin, the \u201cfeel good\u201d hormones that can stave off depression symptoms. The changes in hormone levels can also contribute to fewer complications, better mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Reduced swelling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSwelling is a given during pregnancy. The swelling of your joints is a one-two punch of reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the expanded uterus. Prenatal massage therapy stimulates those soft tissues and helps reduce the collection of fluids in those swollen joints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Ease nerve pain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nLate pregnancy often brings with it a host of uncomfortable feelings, including sciatic nerve pain. As the baby grows and rests on the lower back and pelvic floor muscles, the tension spreads to nearby areas like your legs causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Prenatal massage therapy can help the inflamed nerves by releasing the built-up muscle tension. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional benefits of prenatal massage include: reduced back and joint pain, improved circulation, decreased muscle tension and headaches, reduced stress and anxiety, improved oxygenation of soft tissues and better sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Is prenatal massage safe during pregnancy for every woman? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s an increased risk for miscarriage during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Because of that, most facilities refuse to offer prenatal massages for women in their first trimester or who haven\u2019t crossed the 12-week mark. There are also risks for women who have experienced bleeding<\/a>, pre-term contractions or have any of these conditions: high risk pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia, previous pre-term labor, severe swelling, high blood pressure or severe headaches or recently gave birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhether you\u2019re pro-massage during pregnancy or not, the benefits of prenatal massage has been proven to improve overall health for pregnant women. As with everything, consult with your prenatal care provider, as any kind of treatment during pregnancy should be given careful consideration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Join the other 1,000,000+ expecting mamas who love Bump Boxes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
When massage therapy is part of a woman\u2019s prenatal care, hormone levels associated with stress and relaxation are greatly affected. Studies show that women who received the prenatal massages for five weeks experienced a drop in norepinephrine and cortisol, which are hormones associated with stress. The same group of women also saw an increase in dopamine and serotonin, the \u201cfeel good\u201d hormones that can stave off depression symptoms. The changes in hormone levels can also contribute to fewer complications, better mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Reduced swelling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Swelling is a given during pregnancy. The swelling of your joints is a one-two punch of reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the expanded uterus. Prenatal massage therapy stimulates those soft tissues and helps reduce the collection of fluids in those swollen joints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ease nerve pain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Late pregnancy often brings with it a host of uncomfortable feelings, including sciatic nerve pain. As the baby grows and rests on the lower back and pelvic floor muscles, the tension spreads to nearby areas like your legs causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Prenatal massage therapy can help the inflamed nerves by releasing the built-up muscle tension. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional benefits of prenatal massage include: reduced back and joint pain, improved circulation, decreased muscle tension and headaches, reduced stress and anxiety, improved oxygenation of soft tissues and better sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s an increased risk for miscarriage during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Because of that, most facilities refuse to offer prenatal massages for women in their first trimester or who haven\u2019t crossed the 12-week mark. There are also risks for women who have experienced bleeding<\/a>, pre-term contractions or have any of these conditions: high risk pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia, previous pre-term labor, severe swelling, high blood pressure or severe headaches or recently gave birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re pro-massage during pregnancy or not, the benefits of prenatal massage has been proven to improve overall health for pregnant women. As with everything, consult with your prenatal care provider, as any kind of treatment during pregnancy should be given careful consideration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Join the other 1,000,000+ expecting mamas who love Bump Boxes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIs prenatal massage safe during pregnancy for every woman? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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