Generally speaking, massages are safe during pregnancy, although, substantial study findings have yet to reveal its potential benefits. Considering the different changes that a woman's body undergo during pregnancy, stress relievers are much needed activities.
Mental Health Benefits
Massages are good for expectant mothers as it improves blood circulation, thus, reduces anxiety and improves sleep. A good sleep is highly recommended for pregnant women as it usually is hard achieve especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Anxiety attacks are also common to expectant mothers. Since, massages are one of the easiest ways to relax, mothers can enjoy a simple foot and leg massage to relieve axiety. Norepinephrine- a stress hormone, can also be significantly lowered by a simple head massage. When "feel good" hormones serotonin and dopamine are increased, the pregnant woman can enjoy an overall improvement from the usual mood swings during childbearing.
Physical Health Benefits
Manual pressure through a deep-tissue massage can stimulate the body's natural energy, giving mothers more physical strength to do usual chores during conception. During pregnancy, blood volume in a woman's body increases dramatically, making it more prone to blood clots. Deep accupressure, shiatsu, cross-fiber friction, and percussive tapping could be applied to avoid clots. Swedish massage with long strokes can be applied to parts of the body that experience the most tension during later stages of pregnancy like the legs.
Home Massagers for Expectant Mothers
Travelling to your favorite spa during pregnancy could be quite a task and could cost a bit. Home massagers are an effective substitute for mothers that wish to reap all the positive benefits of a simple massage. Home massagers have pressure modes that are adjustable according to the mother's need. It could also be enjoyed by working mothers who would still need to perform some physical work during pregnancy. If a mother has to stand for long hours during the day, a home massager can be utilized to have a light leg massage befor going to sleep. For expectant mothers who wish to relieve stress from long exposure to screen radiation, a simple head massage using a home massager can be enjoyed at the comforts of your home.
