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Massage is
a wonderful way to relax, increase your energy, and relieve discomfort
during your pregnancy. The tension caused by stress, along with
the physical changes of pregnancy can sap your energy for coping
day-to-day. A soothing massage can relieve physical and emotional
tension, help you sleep better, and boost your energy.
Massage can
help with many of the aches and pains you experience as your body
changes during pregnancy. Massage can:
- Relieve
pain in your muscles and joints that must support added and redistributed
weight;
- Increase
flexibility, making it easier for your body to adjust to a changing
shape;
- Ease constipation,
gas and heartburn as general relaxation stimulates intestinal
movement;
- Reduce excess
fluid retention by gently pushing fluid into circulation where
it can be eliminated;
- Slow the
progress of varicose veins as enhanced circulation lowers pressure
on bulging veins;
- Relieve
headaches caused by tension, constipation, or buildup of metabolic
waste products.
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The positive
effects of infant massage have been well researched in studies such
as those sponsored by UNICEF and the University of Miami School
of Medicine. Among the results of the major studies are:
- Children
and infants who were massaged showed improved sleeping patterns,
diminished anxious behavior and significantly reduced stress indicators,
such as heart rate and stress hormone levels.
- Premature
babies who were regularly massaged gained weight faster, performed
better on developmental tasks, acquired mental and motor skills
earlier and were more relaxed than non-massaged babies. Early
touch also benefited the developing nervous systems of these infants.
- In India,
where infant massage has passed down through generations, studies
showed that babies massaged by their mothers developed both mentally
and physically well beyond normal expectations given their malnourished
condtion.
- Institutionalized
infants who received extra touch developed visual attentiveness
earlier than babies who didn't. Visually impaired babies whose
parents touched them early and often were able to reach toward
sounds sooner than other babies
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Massage is
healthful and enjoyable during a normal pregnancy. However, because
massage is not appropriate for some conditions, your massage therapist
will want to know about your general health and your pregnancy.
Give as much information as you can and always tell your massage
therapist about any changes, even if you are not sure they are
important. Remember, any condition your have now affects two people,
one of whom is very small.
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