Sora Therapies
Massage, Bodywork, and Integrative Fitness in Eugene, Oregon
About Pregnancy Massage
Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. (From the American Pregnancy Association)
Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. (From the American Pregnancy Association)
541.505.1193
Kelsey@SoraTherapies.com
5 East 24th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97405
Kelsey@SoraTherapies.com
5 East 24th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97405
Why Massage During Pregnancy?
Massage during pregnancy not only makes a woman feel taken care of, but offers undeniable physical benefits as well. Massage can relieve fatigue, relieve body aches and pains, enhance sleep, calm an active baby, and more. Here's a breakdown of some of the most common benefits of pregnancy massage during each trimester:
First Trimester
• Relieve headaches
• Help alleviate morning sickness
• Reduce fatigue
• Emotional support
Second Trimester
• Alleviate backaches
• Relieve leg cramps
• Reduce future stretch marks
Third Trimester
• Reduce swelling/edema
• Relieve pain from varicosities
• Enhance sleep
• Prepare pelvic muscles for birth process
• Help induce labor (if past due date) with specific acupressure and reflexology techniques
During the entire term of the pregnancy, massage can stimulate blood flow, which may assist in the prevention of anemia. An increase in muscle tone and flexibility will occur, alleviating leg cramps and muscle spasms.
Massage during pregnancy is also a great way to relieve everyday tension and the general aches and pains your body is suffering. It stimulates your lymphatic system, increasing immunity and the removal of excess toxins, while also stabilizing hormonal levels and balancing the glandular system.
Are There Times When Massage During Pregnancy Should Be Avoided?
Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from massage by a trained
pregnancy massage therapist. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult with their doctor or midwife before beginning a massage therapy program. Depending on why the pregnancy is considered high-risk, certain techniques may need to be avoided. If at any time during the massage you experience discomfort, tell the therapist immediately.
What About Massage After Delivery?
Postpartum massage during the weeks and months after delivery helps to restore muscle tone in the abdomen and re-position the pelvis. Massage can also be very helpful in dealing with new aches and pains that may arise after delivery for both mothers and fathers. Often new mothers and fathers experience similar tension in the neck, upper back, arms, and shoulders as a result of holding and carrying their growing child. Nursing mothers may find this to be especially true!
And remember, touch is a very important part of bonding with your baby. Ask about receiving instruction in massaging your baby. Besides being a wonderful way to bond with your baby, Infant Massage can improve sleep, reduce symptoms of colic, reduce infant stress, alleviate gas, and improve digestion.
Note too that massage can be of benefit during labor as well. Receiving relaxing massage during labor can help to ease anxieties and help things go more smoothly. Certain acupressure and reflexology points can be used to relieve pain, or even help to induce labor if that is desired.
Feel free to call or email Kelsey to learn more about prenatal massage, labor massage, postpartum massage, and infant massage.
Massage during pregnancy not only makes a woman feel taken care of, but offers undeniable physical benefits as well. Massage can relieve fatigue, relieve body aches and pains, enhance sleep, calm an active baby, and more. Here's a breakdown of some of the most common benefits of pregnancy massage during each trimester:
First Trimester
• Relieve headaches
• Help alleviate morning sickness
• Reduce fatigue
• Emotional support
Second Trimester
• Alleviate backaches
• Relieve leg cramps
• Reduce future stretch marks
Third Trimester
• Reduce swelling/edema
• Relieve pain from varicosities
• Enhance sleep
• Prepare pelvic muscles for birth process
• Help induce labor (if past due date) with specific acupressure and reflexology techniques
During the entire term of the pregnancy, massage can stimulate blood flow, which may assist in the prevention of anemia. An increase in muscle tone and flexibility will occur, alleviating leg cramps and muscle spasms.
Massage during pregnancy is also a great way to relieve everyday tension and the general aches and pains your body is suffering. It stimulates your lymphatic system, increasing immunity and the removal of excess toxins, while also stabilizing hormonal levels and balancing the glandular system.
Are There Times When Massage During Pregnancy Should Be Avoided?
Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from massage by a trained
pregnancy massage therapist. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult with their doctor or midwife before beginning a massage therapy program. Depending on why the pregnancy is considered high-risk, certain techniques may need to be avoided. If at any time during the massage you experience discomfort, tell the therapist immediately.
What About Massage After Delivery?
Postpartum massage during the weeks and months after delivery helps to restore muscle tone in the abdomen and re-position the pelvis. Massage can also be very helpful in dealing with new aches and pains that may arise after delivery for both mothers and fathers. Often new mothers and fathers experience similar tension in the neck, upper back, arms, and shoulders as a result of holding and carrying their growing child. Nursing mothers may find this to be especially true!
And remember, touch is a very important part of bonding with your baby. Ask about receiving instruction in massaging your baby. Besides being a wonderful way to bond with your baby, Infant Massage can improve sleep, reduce symptoms of colic, reduce infant stress, alleviate gas, and improve digestion.
Note too that massage can be of benefit during labor as well. Receiving relaxing massage during labor can help to ease anxieties and help things go more smoothly. Certain acupressure and reflexology points can be used to relieve pain, or even help to induce labor if that is desired.
Feel free to call or email Kelsey to learn more about prenatal massage, labor massage, postpartum massage, and infant massage.
