Throughout pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes dramatic changes. These changes can often cause a variety of pains and discomfort. Massage therapy can alleviate these common discomforts and support a healthy pregnancy.
In the past, studies have shown that pregnant women who receive massages on a regular basis have lower rates of miscarriage and prematurity than those that do not. This is attributed to the hormones that are released during a massage, which promote relaxation and decrease stress. When paired with exercise, massage can also help reduce the risk of low back and pelvic pain, as well as sciatic nerve pain.
Massage has also been found to help relieve nausea, vomiting and constipation that are commonly experienced during pregnancy. Massage can increase circulation, helping to eliminate the buildup of lactic acid that can lead to these uncomfortable symptoms. Additionally, massage can decrease the tension and anxiety that can be associated with pregnancy. In fact, a recent study published in the journal “Body Work and Movement Therapies” reported that pregnant women who received a weekly prenatal massage had a reduced rate of nausea and vomiting, as well as fewer incidences of heartburn and constipation.
During a typical pregnancy, the weight of a growing baby can shift the spine’s natural alignment and weaken the connective tissues. This can contribute to joint pain, stiffness and misalignment. Chiropractic adjustments can realign the spine, reduce muscular tension and improve joint mobility. Additionally, chiropractors trained in Webster technique can use specific manipulation and soft tissue release to align the pelvis in order to reduce soft tissue tightness that may be contributing to uterine torsion (a condition that leads to decreased uterine blood flow which is not good for the mother or the baby).
A common issue during pregnancy is edema, which is caused by the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the muscles of the hips, legs and feet. Chiropractors can reduce edema by using massage and specific spinal manipulation to flush the excess water. Additionally, a chiropractor can provide stretches and exercises that can be done at home to further reduce edema.
During a prenatal appointment, our chiropractors can assess each patient’s individual needs and determine the best course of treatment. They are certified in the Webster technique, trained in Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation and are also Certified Birthfit Professionals. They can recommend a variety of exercises and stretches to aid in improving posture, decreasing pain and supporting optimal fetal positioning. In addition, they can suggest modifications to your daily routine to help with digestion, sleep and support a healthier pregnancy. For more information on how you can benefit from prenatal massage and chiropractic care visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.