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