Utter Bliss
A Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy, while wonderful, can be very stressful on a woman. There are a myriad of changes that take place in her body. Many can result in pain due to the physiologic changes taking place. Complicating matters, the woman must be careful about pain medications she takes to alleviate these discomforts. Some can have negative impacts on the baby itself.
Fortunately for many pregnant women there is an easy, effective, and safe answer. It’s massage. For thousands of years massage has been used to help overall wellness and relax the body’s pain trigger points. And for women who are dealing with the changes pregnancy causes, massage offers a wonderful release.
Helen Lutz, RN, LMT, a licensed massage therapist at Women Gynecology & Childbirth Associates’ Medical Spa at Suite 640, says there are many benefits to pregnancy massage, but perhaps the most important is “that it’s an hour of time devoted to the mother-to-be. She’s with someone who understands what she’s going through, and is caring exclusively for her.” Helen states that she can provide support for mothers both physically and emotionally. This caring goes beyond normal massage techniques. Because pregnant women have different needs due to their changing physique, Women Gynecology & Childbirth Associates, PC uses the Body Cushion System to provide gentle, firm support for maximum comfort. While lying on her side, the woman is relaxed and can receive the benefits of traditional Swedish massage. Aromatherapy may be available in all but the first trimester.
In particular, massage helps the pregnant mom’s weight bearing joints. These undergo dramatic changes as the body gets ready to deliver the baby. Massage helps soothe these changing joints and muscles. Pregnancy also creates major circulatory changes. Blood volume can increase by two-thirds during pregnancy, so it’s important to ensure a healthy circulatory system for both mom and baby. Massage is well known for its benefits in aiding circulation.
It’s not just mom who benefits, but the developing baby as well. Massage helps stimulate and release endorphins. They help mom feel better, but also cross the placenta to reach baby. Helen says there is anecdotal evidence which suggests that massage during pregnancy helps the baby after birth.
While helpful during pregnancy, Helen says massage also helps “put the body back together” after the baby is born. This therapy, known as post-partum massage, can be practiced within hours after baby is born, except if the delivery is by Cesarean section. Then a doctor’s permission is required.
If you are interested, Helen says it’s important to make sure your therapist has been trained in the specific techniques for this specialized massage, as many are not. A pregnancy massage costs about $65 for the hour. Although not typically covered by insurance, some HMOs, Flexible Spending accounts, or Health Savings accounts do offer reimbursement. Check with your provider for your benefits. Gift certificates and other services are also available.
Women Gynecology & Childbirth Associates, PC
Medical Spa
1815 S. Clinton Ave., Suite 640
(585) 271-0340
www.wgcaobgyn.com
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