What are the Physical and Mental Benefits of Prenatal Massage Therapy?

Although pregnancy may be a joyful time for many moms-to-be, it can also trigger anxiety and mood swings due to the changes in hormones within the body. Additionally, there's the physical stress of carrying a baby around which is often felt in the feet and ankles as well as the lower back.

If you're feeling physically uncomfortable or mentally stressed-out by your pregnancy, then a prenatal massage in Jacksonville may be a good option for you. In general, Swedish massage, which is a relaxing form of massage, with long, flowing strokes, is recommended during pregnancy. Your massage therapist might have a special massage table with a hole to accommodate your baby bump, or you might opt to give you a massage while you are lying on your side (we have both options at The Wellness Hub for our mamas-to-be).
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If you search for "massage near me," you'll find it's generally considered safe to get a massage in any stage of pregnancy, though it is recommended not to have your belly massaged. Plus, you don't need to worry that massage therapy is going to induce labor prematurely because there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim. At The Wellness Hub, you can actually receive prenatal massage in your first trimester, as long as your pregnancy isn't considered high risk and your doctor has cleared you to receive massage.

Physical Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Many pregnant moms report that they have increased aches and pains during pregnancy. This is normal, but it doesn't mean that you have to simply live with it. You can try prenatal massage in Jacksonville which has a number of physical benefits

• Pain Relief: A prenatal massage can help relieve the pain in your lower back, your upper back and your neck. It can also help with leg cramps and sciatica which is sometimes triggered during pregnancy. In general, if your body is feeling stiff due to pregnancy, massage therapy can help you to relax and induce a greater sense of physical wellbeing.
• Swelling and Edema: If you're suffering from swelling and edema during pregnancy, then massage can help to alleviate it. A massage can help your lymphatic system function better, and this can reduce swelling in hands, feet and legs.
• Better Blood Circulation: A prenatal massage can help improve your blood circulation, giving your more energy. Plus, it's also good for your baby's growth.
• Headaches and Congestion: Women often experience headaches and sinus congestion when they're pregnant, largely due to the hormonal changes their body is going through. A relaxing massage can alleviate these headaches and open up your sinuses, helping you to breathe better and feel better overall.
• Easier Labor: Certain studies suggest that when you get regular massages during pregnancy, you have an easier labor. There's less labor pain, and the duration of labor is also less.

Mental Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Although you may be excited to have a child, you know that your life is going to change completely once it comes. There are so many things that pregnant moms need to do, from taking Lamaze classes to preparing the child's nursery. All this can increase a pregnant mom's stress levels and leave her feeling anxious and depressed. If you do a search for "massage near me," you'll find that a prenatal massage in Jacksonville can help the mom-to-be to take some time for herself and feel more centered.

• Reducing Stress: If you're feeling stressed out during your pregnancy, a prenatal massage can reduce your levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase your levels of oxytocin and endorphins (feel-good hormones). As a result, you'll end up feeling a lot better immediately.
• Emotional Support: The gentle feeling of being touched in a nurturing manner can make the mom-to-be feel emotionally and psychologically supported at this critical time. This can also reduce feelings of depression and anxiety which moms-to-be often experience.
• Better Sleep: After a relaxing, de-stressing massage which releases so many feel-good hormones in your brain, you are likely to get a good night's sleep. Insomnia is a problem that many pregnant women face, and it can be alleviated with a prenatal massage.
• Enhanced Connection: Given that many moms-to-be lead busy lives and are just trying to get through their days, they don't often have the time to feel connected to the baby growing inside them. However, a prenatal massage, which relaxes and calms the mind, gives the mom a space where she can mindfully connect with the baby inside her and have a positive pregnancy experience.

Overall, there are many physical and mental benefits of prenatal massage. At The Wellness Hub, we aim to give the mom-to-be some relaxing time to herself and also help her to mindfully connect with the baby growing inside her. With a prenatal massage, she will experience relief from the physical aches and pains that are a natural part of pregnancy, and she'll have a better feeling of wellbeing overall.



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We are pleased to serve the following Florida communities with massage therapy, chiropractic, organic skincare, acupuncture, red light therapy and more: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St Johns, Ponte Vedra and beyond.
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