Pregnancy is a time of constant change for your body, which is growing and stretching to accommodate the new little human that’s growing within you. Besides the physical growth, pregnancy often requires mothers to grow emotionally and even spiritually. Managing these changes can be difficult at times without the help of a professional. Lots of moms turn to prenatal bodywork for relief, relaxation and to stay ahead of any discomfort.
The term “bodywork” encompasses a variety of therapies designed to support the physical and emotional well-being of women during pregnancy. From massage to acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments, prenatal bodywork can offer significant benefits at different stages of pregnancy.
Common Types of Prenatal Bodywork:
#1. Prenatal Massage
This is a therapeutic body massage tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women. Prenatal massage therapists are trained to understand the nuances of the pregnant body and can adjust their techniques accordingly.
Most prenatal massage therapists can offer different positioning or supports to accommodate a growing belly, tender breasts, and restless legs. All massage therapists are open to feedback and are dedicated to helping you feel as comfortable as possible.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage:
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Reduces stress
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Minimizes swelling in arms, legs and feet
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Alleviates aches and pains in muscles and joints
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Improves circulation
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Some massage therapists are trained to help turn a breech baby (please check with your massage therapist and ask for credentials/references)
These all contribute to a more peaceful state of mind, better sleep and overall wellness during pregnancy.
#2. Prenatal Acupuncture
Acupuncture during pregnancy involves the gentle insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to address pregnancy-related conditions. Acupuncture can be used to treat physical conditions, as well as emotional and spiritual.
Although needles are used, acupuncture is minimally invasive and treatments can be completely tailored to meet your needs and comfort level.
Benefits of Prenatal Acupuncture:
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Helps manage nausea
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Alleviates pain in different areas of the body
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Facilitates relaxation and stress reduction
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Some acupuncturists have experience inducing labor when new moms have reached their due dates
Acupuncture treatments can be a one-off session or an ongoing series. Both will have unique benefits that will improve the overall wellbeing during pregnancy.
#3. Chiropractic Care
Prenatal chiropractic care is a hands-on bodywork treatment that focuses on maintaining a healthy spine and nervous system. Chiropractic care can include manual adjustments (some slight, some more obvious) to the spine and other parts of the body. It can be a great tool throughout pregnancy to minimize pain and discomfort, as well as a holistic approach to maintaining a healthy immune system.
Chiropractic care can be used throughout the entire duration of pregnancy. Some pregnant moms benefit from regular chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy, while some feel satisfied with one or two adjustments during the course of the nine months.
Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care
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Releasing tension around the pelvis
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Alleviating pain in various areas of the body
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Improving digestion and immune function
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Helping prepare the body for birth
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Some chiropractors are trained in adjustments that can help with a breech baby or transverse positioning
Chiropractic care can be so helpful for moms as they navigate their pregnancy and growing body.
Why Consider Prenatal Bodywork?
Prenatal bodywork in any form offers benefits that help with pregnancy. Bodywork isn’t just for folks who are experiencing discomfort or pain, it can be a great tool to maintain overall health and wellness:
Physical Health:
Bodywork treatments can reduce common pregnancy symptoms like fatigue, backaches, leg cramps and nausea. It can also be used as a preventative measure against some of these common pregnancy ailments.
Emotional Well Being:
Prenatal bodywork is often very relaxing and can have long lasting stress-reducing effects. This sense of well-being is important during pregnancy for the mom as well as her growing baby.
Labor Prep:
Different kinds of bodywork can actually help prepare the body for birth. Massages, chiropractic care and acupuncture can help ensure your pelvis, spine and your energy flow are well-aligned and ready for labor and delivery.
Choosing The Right Service And The Right Practitioner
When you’re considering bodywork during pregnancy, it’s important to consider your needs, and the outcome you’re looking for. While each modality works to help with relaxation, pain management and overall well-being, one form might be better for your needs than another. Think about whether or not you’re okay with acupuncture needles, whether or not you’re okay with your body being massaged, and consider whether you're comfortable with chiropractic adjustments.. If you feel comfortable and curious about all of the treatments, you could consider putting all of them on your BeHerVillage registry to try them all!
Finding a practitioner that you trust can be a tricky thing to do when you’re pregnant. With bodywork you want to make sure that the professional is certified and experienced in their modality and has taken the time to become educated to treat pregnant women. You can ask to have a consultation with any prospective provider to see if they’re a good fit for you (and you can ask to see references and reviews). With the BeHerVillage registry guide you can browse all of the pregnancy-specific providers in your area to make an informed decision for your prenatal care (and then put them onto your registry). As with any kind of treatment, it’s important to clear everything with your medical provider before starting anything new.
Prenatal bodywork is a wonderful way to take care of your body and mind throughout your pregnancy.
These treatments not only help to alleviate physical discomfort but they also prepare you mentally, emotionally (and sometimes spiritually) for the journey of childbirth. No matter what style of bodywork you choose, you’re prioritizing your health and well-being which will have long lasting positive effects for both you and your baby.
BeHerVillage is helping parents like you get the funds they need for the support they deserve! Are you having a baby and are looking for support? Create a registry for support today and get gifted funds directly into your bank account to pay for your support team. You deserve this.
Are you a birthworker who supports new moms? Use BeHerVillage to help your clients pay for your support. Create your free profile here and you can be the best baby shower gift a mom will ever get!
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