During Pregnancy a woman's body undergoes many changes, some of them stressful and uncomfortable. Massage Therapy is the natural way for pregnant women to reduce stress and achieve an overall sense of well-being.

Treatment: Massage Therapy is a soothing and natural treatment for the swelling, muscle tension, and general discomfort associated with pregnancy. Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) use unique techniques to improve circulation and drainage, and suggest relaxation tips for childbirth. RMTs also offer breathing exercises, and trigger point therapy as a warm-up for labour. Various tips on hydrotherapy, remedial exercise, self-massage and posture correction will help pregnant women be more comfortable at home, between treatments.

Benefits:

• Massage Therapy eliminates waste products in the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which combats fatigue and increases energy.
• By increasing circulation, Massage Therapy eases the load on the heart and helps keep blood pressure in check.
• Muscular discomforts, such as cramping, tightening, stiffness, tension, and knots, can all be alleviated with Massage Therapy.
• Massage Therapy helps carry away the lactic acid that builds up and causes muscle fatigue.
• Massage Therapy can relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
• Massage Therapy relieves many of the normal discomforts during pregnancy, such as backaches, a stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, edema, and sore, swollen ankles and feet.
• Massage Therapy increases local and general blood circulation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and fetus. Meaning greater vitality and less fatigue for the mother and better nourishment for the baby.
• Massage Therapy helps to soothe and relax nervous tension allowing for better sleeping patterns.
• Massage Therapy can also be used during childbirth to make the mother more comfortable, and afterwards to help her regain strength and ease postpartum stress.

Information courtesy of the Massage Therapists' Association of BC