Pre-natal Pregnancy
Massage
Right care for women at this important time
in their lives
There is no time in a woman’s life, where nurturing herself is more important. There will likely be hormonal changes, sensitivity to smells, frequent mood swings, swelling in the wrist and ankles, sore muscles, and fatigue. There is nothing quite like massage when it comes to easing the burdens of pregnancy. As a father and husband, I can with full confidence say that every woman, should get massage, every month, for the length of her pregnancy.
Massage, in this special and often difficult time, is based on four ideals.
1) Maintaining adequate circulation:
The blood supply goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. The volume increases and the ability to carry oxygen is increased. This is because the lungs cannot expand as much as before due to the presence of the baby. Massage can aid in proper circulation throughout the body, and aid in limiting lymphatic swelling.2) Adjusting to changes in the center of gravity:
As a woman’s body changes to accommodate the growth of the fetus, the center of gravity changes. New muscles must be involved in order to keep ones balance. These muscles can become sore and tired. Massage is great for keeping them relaxed and soft, helping them recover more quickly, thereby preventing injury.3) Ligaments:
During pregnancy, the body increases the volume of a hormone known as “relaxin.” This hormone causes the ligaments to become more elastic, allowing the pubic bones to separate, enlarging the birth canal in order to make delivery possible. During pregnancy and in the first three months following delivery, special care must be taken to not cause injury by over stretching. Massage helps keep the musculature engaged, strengthening the body’s support mechanisms.4) Relaxation:
For many people, pregnancy, while exciting, often increases stress and uncertainty. Massage to calm the nervous system, relax a few muscles, and stabilize the body, allows us to relax and just “be” for a while. This is the primary way we nurture ourselves during this amazing time.
© 2022, Jim Stevens Manual Therapy
Master Manual Therapist & Physical Trauma Specialist
Relieving pain and injury since 1994
Pre-natal
Pregnancy
Massage
Right care for
women at this
important time in
their lives
There is no time in a woman’s life, where nurturing herself is more important. There will likely be hormonal changes, sensitivity to smells, frequent mood swings, swelling in the wrist and ankles, sore muscles, and fatigue. There is nothing quite like massage when it comes to easing the burdens of pregnancy. As a father and husband, I can with full confidence say that every woman, should get massage, every month, for the length of her pregnancy.
Massage, in this special and often difficult time, is based on four
ideals.
1) Maintaining adequate circulation:
The blood supply goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. The volume increases and the ability to carry oxygen is increased. This is because the lungs cannot expand as much as before due to the presence of the baby. Massage can aid in proper circulation throughout the body, and aid in limiting lymphatic swelling.2) Adjusting to changes in the center of gravity:
As a woman’s body changes to accommodate the growth of the fetus, the center of gravity changes. New muscles must be involved in order to keep ones balance. These muscles can become sore and tired. Massage is great for keeping them relaxed and soft, helping them recover more quickly, thereby preventing injury.3) Ligaments:
During pregnancy, the body increases the volume of a hormone known as “relaxin.” This hormone causes the ligaments to become more elastic, allowing the pubic bones to separate, enlarging the birth canal in order to make delivery possible. During pregnancy and in the first three months following delivery, special care must be taken to not cause injury by over stretching. Massage helps keep the musculature engaged, strengthening the body’s support mechanisms.4) Relaxation:
For many people, pregnancy, while exciting, often increases stress and uncertainty. Massage to calm the nervous system, relax a few muscles, and stabilize the body, allows us to relax and just “be” for a while. This is the primary way we nurture ourselves during this amazing time.
© 2022, Jim Stevens Manual Therapy
Master Manual
Therapist & Physical
Trauma Specialist
Relieving pain and
injury since 1994
