During pregnancy, a women's body undergoes tremendous changes to support the growing fetus.
These changes often result in musculoskeletal changes such as lower back pain, neck and shoulder discomfort and swelling of the feet and hands. It's important to consult with your physician to rule out any serious medical concerns due to these symptoms.
Once cleared, massage therapy can assist with managing many of the aches and pains of pregnancy including your stress levels.
In an article entitled "Fetus to Mom: You're Stressing Me Out!" Dr. Calvin Hobel, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Cedars Sinai and a professor of obstetrics/gynecology and pediatrics at UCLA, states "Pregnant women need to be educated in recognizing when they have stress, the consequences and some of the simple things they can do to make a difference."
Dr. Hobel also gave a list of questions that may assist in assessing your stress levels. For each question, answer "yes," "sometimes" or "no." If you answer "sometimes" or "yes" to three or more questions, says Dr. Hobel, you may have sufficient stress to warrant some form of counselling or intervention and you should consult your health-care provider.
I feel tense.
I feel worried.
I have trouble dealing with problems.
I cannot control things in my life.
I am worried that my baby is abnormal.
I am concerned that I will have a difficult delivery.
I live apart from my partner or spouse.
I have problems at work.
Have you been threatened with physical harm?
I feel nervous.
I feel frightened.
Things are not going well.
I am concerned that I may lose my baby.
I am concerned that I will be unable to pay my bills.
I have extra-heavy homework.
Have you and your partner or spouse had any problems?
Massage during the pre-pregnancy stage prepares the body for the upcoming pregnancy and addresses old injuries, scar tissue, etc. This is also a good time to start a stretching and strengthening program
Massage during the first trimester will help you manage your stress and anxiety levels. Research suggests that stress can lead to pre-term births and can influence normal fetal development.
Massage during the second trimester will address the normal muscular aches and pains that develops during this trimester. Specific concerns can be worked on and the goal is to continue to prepare the body for the third trimester with safe stretching and strengthening exercises.
Massage during the third trimester addresses the increasing demands placed on the body. Complaints such as lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, breast discomfort, swelling of the feet and hands, insomnia can be experienced and relieved.
Massage post partum: As you adapt to baby's schedule you may experience tiredness, insomnia, muscular discomfort, and neck and shoulder discomfort from breastfeeding. Massage therapy can assist with reducing the tension in the breast tissues and some research suggests that breast massage can aid in proper milk production. If surgery was involved during your pregnancy we can begin to address the scar tissue formation.
- column by Randy Persad, a registered massage therapist who practises at MaxFit Movement Institute in Port Moody. His preferred practice includes scar tissue management, sport injury rehabilitation, women's health and a special interest in stress and pain management with breath education. Info: 604-461-6888, [email protected], www.maxfit-movement.com.
