The therapeutic benefits of massage for pregnant women haven't been studied very much. There's some evidence that massage may help people who suffer from low back pain and possibly those with chronic headaches, but the studies weren't done with pregnant women. In any case, massage may decrease stress and promote relaxation, helping you cope with discomfort even if it doesn't specifically alleviate or prevent it.

Carrying a baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, so that your pelvic joints are less stable, and changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that the extra weight you're carrying and you may find you've got an aching lower back.   

A trained prenatal massage therapist knows where a pregnant woman's sore spots are likely to be and may be able to provide some relief. (She'll also know which areas and techniques to avoid.) Still, it's important to communicate with her and tell her where you need attention. Let her know right away if anything during the massage – including your positioning – is causing you any discomfort.

 

 

What is a post pregnancy massage and how is it different from a normal massage?

 

The post pregnancy massage is specifically suited to the needs of women who have just given birth. To be sure it is done right, try to find a masseuse that is experienced in giving post pregnancy massages. 

For many generations, new mothers have been given daily, full-body massages during the first few weeks after the delivery. This post pregnancy massage is believed to strengthen the new mother and help her recover. 

A post pregnancy massage, just like normal massages, helps: 
 

• relieve sore spots

• relax tense muscles

• improve blood circulation

• increase joint mobility

• rejuvenate you

Many women start getting full body massages as soon as they come home from the hospital. If you've had a caesarean section, you might need to wait a little longer till your wound heals. 

Post pregnancy massages do have their benefits, but get your doctor to confirm if you are ready for one before you start. Some experts believe that having a massage soon after delivery can increase postnatal bleeding. If you have very heavy bleeding or notice an increase in blood flow, it's best to stop the massages and contact your doctor to make sure nothing is wrong. 
 

What are the benefits of getting a post pregnancy massage?

 

 

There are no studies to prove this, but many medical experts believe that getting massaged after your delivery has several benefits. They say that post pregnancy massages help: 

• Reduce sore spots and relax muscle tension. The whole process of childbirth has been a strain on your body, particularly your abdomen, lower back and hips, not to mention your upper back due to all the breastfeeding. A massage increases the flow of blood and oxygen to your muscles, getting rid of the toxins that make you sore.

• Bring your body back to its pre-pregnancy state. The kneading and stroking action helps to tone and tighten stretched areas like your tummy.

• Your body release endorphins - natural pain killers secreted by the brain.

• Your body release oxytocins. Oxytocins trigger the milk ejection reflex which pushes the milk out of the nipple, making it easier for you to breastfeed your baby. And the more you breastfeed your baby, the more milk you will produce. A breast massage will help open blocked ducts, loosen clumps or hardened areas, and reduce the risk of mastitis.

• Speed up recovery from a caesarean section if you've had one. Once your cut has healed, massaging the scar tissue softens and smoothens out the scar. It also increases circulation, stimulating the healing process internally and preventing organs and tissues, which are meant to be separate, from sticking together.

• Lighten stretch marks when almond-based lotions and oils are used.

• Improve immunity by stimulating lymph flow.

• Reduce cramps and spasms.

• Cope with baby blues and postnatal or postpartum depression. Some experts say that a massage is an excellent stress buster.

If nothing else, a massage will surely relax you and help you cope with stress.