Those who have been pregnant before will likely agree that this is a time of amazing changes, excitement and joy. But, the reality is that it can also be a stressful time as women work hard to balance career and family life while dealing with aches and pains that come with being pregnant.
The first trimester
Many women are surprised to find that they begin to feel uncomfortable in the early stages of pregnancy, especially if they did not experience symptoms before becoming pregnant. During this first trimester, the body is going through major hormonal changes that can trigger discomfort. Massage can help ease these initial discomforts and keep the body feeling relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire pregnancy.
The second trimester
As the baby grows during this trimester, the woman’s back can begin to hurt as muscles strain to accommodate the changing weight distribution. This is often accompanied by abdominal pain, sciatic nerve pain and a general feeling of being unbalanced. Pregnancy massage can reduce these aches and pains and increase circulation, which is helpful in keeping the blood moving efficiently through the body.
Third trimester
During this final trimester, the uterus is growing and can pinch a nerve in the upper leg (the sciatic nerve). This can cause sharp pain and swelling, as well as other issues such as shortness of breath. Massage can be used to release the pressure on the sciatic nerve, reduce swelling and encourage lymphatic drainage to prevent toxins from building up in the body.
It is important to note that a massage should never be used as a substitute for medical care. For example, if a client experiences symptoms of DVT, which is a dangerous condition in pregnancy that occurs when the clots form in the deep veins of the legs, it is recommended to postpone a session until after the condition has resolved. For all other concerns, including the risk of miscarriage or complications with the placenta, a massage should always be performed with a doctor’s permission and after discussing how to proceed safely with the client. Finally, it is always best to seek out a qualified and experienced practitioner who has extensive training in prenatal massage in Atlanta. A well trained therapist can help you stay comfortable and healthy throughout your entire pregnancy. For more details visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.
