Pregnancy is a journey filled with awe and excitement. It can also be a time filled with physical discomfort and pain. As your body changes to make room for your bundle of joy, it is only natural to seek ways to alleviate this discomfort. But how do you do that without putting your little one at risk?
In North Vancouver, prenatal massage is a natural option with many benefits for pregnant women. This gentle and effective treatment has gained popularity due to its many benefits, backed by research. Here are some of the ways prenatal massage can help you throughout your pregnancy:
Natural Pain Management
As your baby grows, your body must adjust to accommodate the additional weight. These adjustments put pressure on joints, muscles and nerves, resulting in pain. One such nerve is the sciatic nerve, the junction of nerve roots in the lower back. As your belly grows, your ligaments loosen and your center of gravity shifts, causing the nerve to be pinched or compressed. Symptoms of sciatica include muscle weakness, tingling sensations, pain and numbness down the leg.
A massage therapist trained in prenatal care focuses their treatment on the lower back, hips and glutes to relieve pressure and ease pain. North Vancouver prenatal massage can also help with soreness, other discomfort and even headaches that may occur during pregnancy.
Improved Sleep Quality
With the discomfort of pregnancy, it isn’t unusual for many pregnant women to report difficulty in getting proper rest. By stimulating muscles and pressure points, prenatal massage leaves the body relaxed and rejuvenated, thus improving the mother’s sleep. Deep tissue techniques can relieve tension knots, relax tight muscles and reduce discomfort. It can also help the body produce melatonin, a necessary ingredient for proper sleep.
Hormone Regulation
Massage encourages the release of dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin. These hormones, referred to as the “happy” hormones, make us feel good and reduce depression. When they are balanced, stress and anxiety are reduced, creating a peaceful environment for the baby to grow.
Prenatal massage also stimulates the parasympathetic system, a network of nerves that regulates the body after stressful situations. When the parasympathetic system is interrupted, cortisol goes unchecked, potentially causing complications with the pregnancy.
Improved Circulation
Swollen legs and feet are also quite common in pregnancy because of increased pressure on the blood vessels. If you notice that your shoes do not fit as usual, it could be because of poor circulation.
Combatting this issue is easier than you may think. Regular prenatal massage in North Vancouver can increase oxygen and nutrients in muscles, thus improving circulation. It can improve the mother’s health and positively impact the baby’s health as well. Improved circulation means your baby will get the necessary nutrients while growing.
Massage therapy is also known to boost the immune system. By flushing toxins and potentially harmful waste, your immune system can fight infections and create a healthier environment for your baby to grow.
Labour Preparation
Prenatal massage can reduce stress and anxiety in the months before giving birth. Furthermore, it helps prepare your body to handle the labour by improving flexibility and endurance. Studies have also shown that prenatal massage can help to reduce labour pain and improve well-being, leading to better labour outcomes. The relaxation techniques learned are also handy during the birthing process.
Improved Post-natal Recovery
It is a well-known fact that childbirth can be very taxing on the body and can lead to several complications like postpartum depression. Studies suggest that prenatal massage can be quite effective in combatting these complications. Women who incorporated prenatal massage into their pregnancy care routine were less likely to suffer from postpartum depression and anxiety. Women who had prenatal massages also recovered from delivery at a faster rate.
Professional Prenatal Massage in North Vancouver and Langley
At Movéo, we understand that pregnancy, while beautiful, comes with unique challenges. We understand the unique needs of expectant mothers and offer specialized prenatal massage services tailored to address your concerns at every stage in this beautiful journey to motherhood. Our team program offers gentle and effective prenatal care to address your body’s changing needs.
If you are expecting and searching for a natural way to improve your comfort as you await the arrival of your little one, we can help.
As you go through your pregnancy journey, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. By incorporating regular North Vancouver prenatal massage sessions into your routine, you are investing in your well-being and your child. Prenatal massage offers a safe way to address the physical and emotional challenges of bringing your little one into the world.
Call 604.371.4771 or 604.984.8731 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment today. Take the first step towards a more comfortable pregnancy. Your body and your baby will thank you.
