During pregnancy, many women experience discomforts
and lots of stress in their bodies at various stages
during their pregnancy. With the baby kicking and
all the painful cramps experienced, it can be hard
for them to have fun and enjoy their motherhood.
After birth, the mother is overwhelmed by the pain
as well as the new responsibilities of motherhood.
Because of discomfort and related issues, most
pregnant women in Singapore are now resulting to
prenatal massages (massage therapy during pregnancy)
and postnatal (massage therapy after childbirth) for
comfort and relaxation. This is because massage
therapy during and after pregnancy is an amazing
complementary choice for both prenatal and postnatal
care. It’s a great way to reduce pregnancy stress
and promote overall wellness.
Massage relieves majority of the normal pregnancy
discomforts such as backaches, headaches, leg
cramps, stiff neck, and edema (swelling). It’s
mostly recommended after the second trimester.
The benefits of massage therapy for pregnant women
include:
1. Relaxation and Stress Reduction
• During pregnancy, the hormone levels associated
with relaxation and stress are usually imbalanced.
This is why most pregnant women are often moody and
stressed at times. When massage therapy is
introduced, the hormone levels are altered, leading
to mood regulation as well as improved
cardiovascular health.
• In general, massage during and after pregnancy
relaxes muscles, lowers, stress hormones and
increases circulation, bringing about relaxation and
stress relief.
2. Alleviates Musculoskeletal Pains
• Painful cramps during pregnancy are common and can
be troublesome if not dealt with appropriately.
Sciatic nerve pain is usually experienced by most
women in their third semester as the uterus tends to
rest on the muscles of the pelvic floor and the
lower back. Also, a woman experiences excruciating
pain after birth- this pain can last for weeks.
• While medication can help relieve the pain in the
short-term, massage is considered as an effective
holistic approach that works to release tension on
the muscles and relieve pain without the use of
medication. In cases where the pain is severe of
chronic, multiple sessions may be required.
3. Stress Relief on Weight-bearing Joints
• It’s common to hear pregnant women complaining of
pain on their leg joints, lower back, as well as the
pelvis. This pain is usually as a result of immense
pressure (muscle tension) exerted on the
weight-bearing joints such as the knees, elbows,
ankles, lower back, pelvis, as well as the neck.
• In some cases, joint pain can be caused by fluid
retention or swelling.
• As a massage therapist works on the joints, the
tensed muscles on the joints loosen up (become
relaxed). Swelling is also reduced as massage
increases blood and lymph circulation.
4. Beats Insomnia
• The stress, pain, and strain that a woman
experiences during pregnancy robs her of her ability
to have a good night’s sleep. Most women complain of
lack of sleep during and after pregnancy.
Fortunately, this is a problem that is easily solved
by massage.
• Pregnancy massage relieves most of the stress,
muscle tension, and strain that pregnancy causes to
a woman’s body.
• The majority of women who have undergone
pre/postnatal massage report falling asleep much
more easily than before and staying asleep for
longer periods. Also, they report having fewer
headaches and pains and are also able to get up from
a sitting or lying position with much ease.
5. Reduces Anxiety and Depression
According to various studies, about 2/3 of pregnant
women and new moms experience a lot of anxiety and
depression induced by hormonal changes, the
pressure, the new responsibilities, and
frustrations.
• While emotional support can help during this
transition, massage is usually considered as the
best option as anxiety and depression tend to
respond very well to this skilled therapy.
6. Increased Milk Production and Easier
Breastfeeding
Due to the new responsibilities and possible
frustrations, most new moms undergo through chronic
stress. Stress after birth is a major culprit in
milk production reduction.
• Regular postnatal massages not only help maintain
healthy levels of milk production, but also make
breastfeeding a much easier task. The massage helps
relieve breast pain, reduces the amount of sodium in
the breast milk, and improves newborn suckling.
• Many studies have shown that massage increases the
levels of prolactin, a lactation hormone.
• The postnatal massages are often recommended after
about 12 weeks after birth. However, women who have
had a C-Section have to wait until the wounds are
completely healed to prevent further discomfort.
7. Improved Blood Circulation and a Strengthened
Immune System
• Massage during pregnancy stimulates blood and
lymph to flow much more freely throughout the body,
therefore increasing the amount of nutrients being
delivered to the baby. Likewise, good circulation
after birth promotes faster healing and increases
milk production.
• Also, with increased circulation, the body is able
to flush out the accumulated toxins and cellular
waste through the lymphatic system. As a result, the
body has an increased ability to fight foreign
bodies causing illnesses.
• Improved blood circulation also helps reduce
swelling during and after pregnancy.
8. Hastens the Healing Process and Promotes Overall
Body Health
Massage therapy after birth helps increase the
healing process by increasing essential blood flow
to the healing area.
• According to numerous studies, new moms who
undertake postnatal massage have better chances of
healing their wounds faster than those who do not.
• It also promotes overall well-being both during
and after pregnancy as there is reduced pain,
stress, depression, mood swings, increased blood
flow, prevention of blood pressure, reduced
swelling, and better sleep.
Other Health Benefits of Pre/Postnatal Massage
Include:
• Better posture
• Blood Pressure Regulation
• Reduced levels of lactic acid
• Emotional support
• Muscle preparation for fewer difficulties during
birth
• To help realign the pelvis after birth
• For faster recovery after a cesarean
• Promotes easier breathing
• Decreases chances of premature childbirth
• Reduces complications during birth
Ensure that you check with your birthing expert or
doctor before proceeding with either a prenatal or
postnatal massage. Also, choose a massage therapist
who is certified, properly trained, and highly
experienced in the therapy.
You can ask around for good recommendations in
Singapore. Remember that a good massage therapist
should be able to cater to your specific
requirements without being too pushy.
I
was introduced to massageservices.com.sg by my
colleague. My husband and i called for
traditional outcall massage to our home. The
masseurs arrived on time and they are very
professional. We signed a monthly package with
them and we are very happy with their service.
Rachael Tan (Bishan)
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