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| Liz Roche - Prenatal Masseuse/Avatar Spa |
The Expert's View
Insight from leading spa industry experts.
No one has ever said when you get pregnant you should stop
relaxing. In fact most doctors want you to reduce anxiety. By doing so you will
decrease symptoms of depression and improve labor and the overall health of
your newborn.
One of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety during
pregnancy is to schedule bi-weekly prenatal massage treatments. Not only will
it be effective in reducing anxiety, but it will relieve muscle, joint, back,
and nerve pain commonly brought on by pregnancy as well as increase circulation.
In addition stress hormones will be reduced and serotonin levels will increase.
Opposite levels are common during pregnancy and low levels of serotonin lead to
depression. Studies have revealed positive benefits to maternal and newborn
health when therapeutic massage is introduced into your weekly stress-reducing
regimen.
As with anything during pregnancy, precautions should be
taken if you are planning on a prenatal massage. I recommend side-lying rather
then a table that provides a hole for your baby bump. It is not as reliable and may
still apply pressure to the abdomen, something you want to avoid. It is also
imperative that you are under the care of a certified prenatal massage
therapist. Like me they have received training beyond the national standards
and will expertly address specific needs and sensitive areas of the body.
Speak to your doctor prior to scheduling a prenatal massage
regimen and keep in mind most spas will not offer a massage to women in their
first trimester because of risks associated within the early weeks of
pregnancy.
It is my belief that prenatal massage should be thought of
as an important supplement that should be incorporated into the routine of your
prenatal care.
Liz Roche is a body therapist and
certified prenatal masseuse who works exclusively with Avatar Spa in Marlboro, NJ .
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