When a woman becomes pregnant, her body goes through some fairly significant changes, including postural changes, hormone influxes, weight gain, enlarged breasts, increased plasma and blood volume, as well as organ shifts. In the end, the journey can be uncomfortable and expecting some aches and pains is normal during pregnancy.
Throughout this time, regular massage is a safe, drug-free, relaxing way to alleviate and minimize common discomforts. Physical and mental wellbeing can be improved, as well as that of your baby. For more information, visit kehonomi.fi.
Here are a few of the most common pregnancy-related complaints and the ways that massage therapy can help them, so let’s look at them.
Pain in the low back
Low back pain is experienced by about half of pregnant women. While pregnant, the center of gravity changes in the body, which has an impact on the musculoskeletal system.
By adapting to the new posture, the muscles compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain radiating down the leg from the lower back.
The massage relieves the pressure on the nerve by loosening the muscles. The surrounding muscles and joints can also be made more flexible and supple as well.
Aching muscles
During pregnancy, the muscles that keep the expecting mother upright begin to work harder, causing toxins to be produced that cause muscle fibers to stick together, aggravating nerve endings and leading to pain. The massage breaks down adhesions, releases trigger points, and increases circulation to increase oxygen and remove toxins from the area.
Cramps in the legs
It is not yet known exactly why women suffer from leg cramps during pregnancy, but extra strain on the legs might play a role. During prolonged sitting or lying down, certain minerals may be depleted and there is little blood flow to the muscles. Stretching the muscles and stimulating blood flow can be helpful in relieving cramps.
Chronic upper back pain or headaches
An imbalance of muscles is thought to be the main cause of sudden upper back pain when the body posture changes or the breast size is suddenly increased.
There is speculation that headaches are caused by a surge of hormones along with an increase in the amount of blood flowing through your body. As a result of massage, tension is relieved, trigger points are released and shortened muscles are stretched, and tension in the neck, head, and shoulders is eased.
Hormones
A mother’s physical and emotional changes during pregnancy are largely influenced by pregnancy hormones. The drug (Relaxin) loosens up the musculoskeletal system, allowing the joints to be flexible while giving birth. Therapeutic massage reduces pain by increasing circulation around the joints.
The stress level rises during pregnancy. As a result of massage, stress hormones are lowered, anxiety is reduced, mood is improved, and sleep is improved. By releasing endorphins and serotonin, it provides natural pain relief, calming the mother and reducing stress for the baby. It is also possible that reducing stress hormones can decrease the risk of premature births as well as complications during childbirth, although research is still ongoing.
Inflammation
The accumulation of fat, as well as the increase in blood and plasma volume causes the hip, knee and ankle joints to become strained. There are a few factors that can cause swelling, such as a decrease in circulation and increased blood pressure in the vessels.
The massage helps stimulate soft tissues and reduces fluid retention in swollen joints, which in turn improves the lymphatic system’s ability to remove wastes. It can lead to less swelling, varicose veins, and blood clots because it helps blood flow into the legs.
