Prenatal Massage Phoenix – Safety and Benefits – New Serenity Spa

Pregnancy is a season when women need extra care: body, mind and spirit. Prenatal massage Phoenix is a perfect addition to a woman’s pregnancy care plan.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, prenatal massage can “reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.”

During pregnancy, a woman’s body is both a wonder and a worry. While pregnant women marvel over their growing bellies, hormonal fluctuations and aches and pains can put a damper on their joy.

Prenatal massage Phoenix New Serenity Spa

Settle those stress hormones

Regular prenatal massage can help reduce elevated stress hormones associated with pregnancy. As cortisol and norepinephrine levels ease down, anxiety dissipates. Massage also stimulates the “feel-good” hormones, dopamine and serotonin. Regulating emotion-influencing hormones wards off depression and improves cardiovascular health. All of these benefits impact both the mother and the unborn child with overall improved quality of life and reduced pregnancy and birth complications.

Stave off swelling

Swelling of the joints is a common problem in pregnancy caused by increased pressure on blood vessels and reduced circulation. Gentle prenatal massage reduces the collection of fluid in tissues and encourages the removal of waste. Improved circulation refreshes tissues with life-giving oxygen.

Soothe aches and pains

The bigger the baby bump, the bigger the problem with muscle and joint pain. Many women struggle with sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy causing lower back pain and tension in the legs. Regular prenatal massage can ease muscle stiffness and nerve pain like nothing else can.

Safety of prenatal massage

While prenatal massage Phoenix is generally viewed as safe and beneficial, it’s important to consider some general guidelines:

• Make sure you choose a therapist trained in prenatal massage. The American Pregnancy Association recommends choosing a therapist certified in prenatal massage.
• It’s always a good idea to check with your OB/GYN before scheduling your first massage during pregnancy. Massage may be off-limits for high-risk pregnancies.
• Avoid deep-tissue massage during pregnancy. Swedish massage, with its lighter touch is the recommended massage technique for pregnancy.
• Consider waiting until the second trimester before beginning regular prenatal massage. The first trimester holds the highest risk for miscarriage. In an article on Parents.com, Mary Rosser, M.D., Ph.D., an ob-gyn at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York, says it’s safest to wait until the second trimester. “The first trimester is the critical time when everything is starting to form,” she says. “Many people aren’t comfortable in the first trimester anyway; they’re just not feeling well.”
• Body position on the massage table is important. It is recommended that pregnant women lie on their sides with pillows to support the belly. Later in pregnancy, prolonged time on the back can cause the baby to place pressure on key blood vessels.
• Listen to your body and communicate with your therapist. Pregnancy can cause increased sensitivity to massage pressure. Prenatal massage shouldn’t be painful.

Prenatal massage Phoenix

New Serenity Spa Scottsdale has highly trained massage therapists ready to bless pregnant women with the benefits of regular prenatal massage. Book a session today for yourself or for someone you love.