Expecting a new baby is something that women dream of experiencing — perhaps once or perhaps a few times over. Nothing completes a family of two loving individuals more than the arrival of a little bundle of joy — someone they can nurture, shower with love, and teach about life and its many mysteries until they are old enough to discover more about life on their own.
However, the months the baby grows in the mother’s womb will undoubtedly bring changes and developments in the woman’s body. Aside from the growing tummy, there are backaches, swollen feet, bouts of morning sickness, heightened sensitivity to certain odours and tastes, and other changes that could leave any new or experienced mummy feeling less than glowing or blissful.
Relief for the mummy-to-be
Pregnant women certainly have no reason to grit their teeth and bear the changes they are going through, which can span not only physical and psychological aspects but social and spiritual realms as well. The mummy-to-be’s body is changing, as is her everyday routine, her outlook on her family and future, her interactions with family, friends and even strangers, and her opinions and perceptions about her health and well-being. With all these going on, any pregnant woman can be expected to go through a jumble of physical discomforts and anxieties.
One effective way to help her cope during this stage in her life, according to specialists at a London Thai spa, is to receive a careful and mindful pregnancy massage from a skilled therapist.
What benefits can massage offer to women who are expecting?
A knowledgeable and experienced therapist can help you experience the following benefits:
Reduced anxiety and stress. Fluctuating hormones, limited abilities to perform specific tasks, and the aches and pains from the increasing weight of the developing baby can quickly raise stress levels during your pregnancy. Regular massage allows you to relax and be nurtured or pampered, which can help lower your stress levels and blood pressure.
Improved sleep. Massage’s deep relaxation can help stimulate peaceful sleep, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve mood throughout the day.
Less discomfort. Pain and tiredness in the legs, lower back, hips, and shoulders are common during pregnancy, and massage can help soothe these aches.
Less swelling. You’ll discover that pregnancy causes oedema in the feet, hands, legs and wrists. Gentle manipulation from massage can help ease these conditions and prevent the development of varicose veins.
Studies also show that women who receive massage and nurturing touch during their pregnancy experience fewer complications during labour and fewer premature births. They are also more loving to their babies, touching them tenderly and frequently.
Can any pregnant woman receive a massage?
Because pregnancy is quite a vulnerable condition, there are instances wherein massage may not be ideal for a woman’s specific condition, or a physician’s or midwife’s approval would be needed before pregnancy massage can proceed — this is to ensure that the massage would cause no harm to both mother and baby.
Suppose a woman is found to have hypertension, vaginal leaking or bleeding, abdominal or pelvic cramping or pain, deep vein thrombosis, severe vomiting or nausea, uterine contractions that are regular before 37 weeks, reduced fetal movement in the last eight to 10 hours, or is diagnosed as a high-risk pregnancy. In that case, a physician must first be consulted before considering massage.