Massage during Pregnancy

During pregnancy lot of hormonal changes takes place in the body. These hormonal changes cause several ailments like aching back, legs and hips. Woman also suffers from nausea, morning sickness, insomnia and headaches. It has been found that many pregnant women experience some level of stiffness and muscular tension during pregnancy. Even experts suggest that one should avoid consuming unnecessary medicines for minor pregnancy related ailments as it can affect the unborn baby. Then what is the solution?

Fortunately, lot of research and studies are taking place on alternative therapies for pregnancy related ailments. Today there are several alternative therapies available like aroma therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, Bowen technique etc. Massage is one therapy which is gaining a lot of popularity.

For centuries people have been using massage to improve overall health, relieve muscle tension, reduce stress etc. It has been found that massage can be very useful for the pregnant women. It not only treats some of the ailments but leave a sense of great of well being feeling in you.

Massage during pregnancy is different from the regular massage. One very important difference is that the person receiving the therapy is pregnant. Pregnant women opting for massage should check the therapist’s expertise. Today, lot of massage training institute provides training on massage therapy for pregnant woman. Always look for a certified therapist from any of these renowned institutes. The therapist must have thorough knowledge of a pregnant woman’s anatomy. The position during massage is very important for the well being of both the baby and the mother.

Benefits of massage during pregnancy include
• It helps in reducing stress during pregnancy
• Leg massage is very beneficial in leg cramp
• It helps in reducing depression and anxiety
• Massage helps you sleep peacefully
• It helps in blood circulation, which in turn improves the oxygen supply to different organs of the body.
• Helps in reducing shoulder, neck, back and join pain

No doubt massage therapy is beneficial in curing several pregnancy problems. But before considering the therapies consults your doctor and take advice on it.

Say no to Vigorous Exercise During Pregnancy

Doctors say that women having good health have a better chance to conceive. No doubt that good health increases the chances of getting pregnancy but many misinterpret the meaning of good health.

Good health does not mean that mother has to be lean and thin or skinny. Good health means good amount of energy, mentally strong, good body mass index, strong muscles and backbone etc.

Many women, as soon as they get pregnant, become more health cautious. They start taking exercise more seriously and indulged themselves in weight reduction programs.

There is no doubt about the good effect of exercises on pregnancy. It helps you rejuvenate, keeps you in good mood and helps in strengthening your muscles and backbone. The point is that exercise should be such that it benefits you. Generally, pregnancy exercises are mild in nature.

Avoid vigorous exercise during pregnancy. Pregnant woman must exercise under expert supervision. They ought to consult their doctor or experts before following any exercise regime. They should make their exercise routine according to their health situation.

Several studies were done to figure out the effect of vigorous exercises on pregnant woman and their baby. Most prominent effect of vigorous exercise was birth weight. It is found that women who continued their vigorous exercise during pregnancy delivered lower weight babies as compared to woman who were following mild exercise regime.

During exercise the blood shifts from the internal organ to the muscles, lungs and heart in order to provide more oxygen. Vigorous exercise can restrict the normal flow of oxygen to the uterus.

Vigorous exercise also involves other risk factors such as injury, leg cramp, sprain etc. The injury can be due to fall, slip or weights. Even light injuries to abdominal part can be a serious problem.

During second trimester and third trimester of pregnancy when the size of the uterus increases significantly, avoid exercising while lying back because the weight of the baby may interfere with blood circulation. Also, your center of balance shifts, putting you at more risk to fall and slip.

Finally, always be in contact with your doctor, pay attention to your body and report immediately to your doctor if you find any problem.