Massage Therapy:

During the Third Trimester

In this issue of From Belly to Baby, we are exploring physical changes during the final weeks of pregnancy, and how the mother-to-be might be feeling physically. In the last issue, we discussed the second trimester, aromatherapy and relaxation techniques. In the next issue, we will look at the benefits of postnatal and infant massage.

Pregnancy is a beautiful and natural condition — nearly ten transformative months full of excitement, planning and peering at the awesome unfolding of life. This transformation also brings inevitable side effects, sometimes making a woman feel like her body has been taken over by another or "alien" force. In the early months, there are mood swings from hormonal changes; in later months, there are often aches and pains. Physical changes, such as nausea, back pain, heartburn, raging hormones, breast pain, and swollen legs and ankles affect many women during this time. The gentle, non-invasive approach of pregnancy massage can ease discomfort, help you prepare for labour and give you the emotional support of a caring practitioner. Massage sessions can also bring back a sense of body-mind integration, encouraging a state of relaxation and calm reflection of the continually evolving physical form.

During the final trimester's "home stretch," the baby begins to gain weight more rapidly, pressing against inner organs and shifting them upwards.

Discomfort increases and the impending due date can cause added stress and anxiety. Massage has many scientifically proven health benefits such as stimulating the blood and lymph systems, thereby increasing immunity and removal of toxins, stabilizing hormonal levels, and adding tone and flexibility to muscles — all of which enhance the health of both mother and baby. As pregnancy progresses, the mother-to-be experiences shifts in postural alignment caused by the baby's increasing weight. This puts strain on the lower back and legs and increases stress on weight-bearing joints.

Massage increases flexibility, enhancing the ability to carry this extra weight while also relieving aches and pains, leg cramps and muscle spasms.

The effects of relaxation and tension release add to improvement in the physical state of muscles and joints, and assist in balancing emotions.

Recent studies from the Touch Research Institute (TRI) in Miami, Fla., indicate that pregnancy massage provides more than just symptom relief for the mother. A group of 26 pregnant women were given either massage or relaxation therapy during a five-week study. In addition to experiencing a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, stress, sleep problems and back pain, the massage group had fewer complications in their delivery. Their newborns also had fewer postnatal complications. Another TRI study reported massage during labour resulted in shorter labour times for the mothers, shorter hospital stays and less postpartum depression.

Although many people still look at massage as a luxury, it is now clear that massage therapy has physical benefits that help reduce pain and tension caused by changes in body alignment. Prenatal massage is increasingly gaining popularity as pregnant women begin recognizing its benefits.

Back pain is one of the more common side effects of pregnancy. Back pain can continue throughout pregnancy and even after. If you have to carry around other small children you may find your symptoms exacerbated during pregnancy. Fortunately, massage can help relieve back pain associated with muscular tension.

Here are just a few of the other benefits prenatal massage has to offer:

Prenatal massage helps relieve edema or swelling by stimulating circulation throughout the body.

Leg massage can help reduce leg cramps and swelling in the legs.

Massage is very beneficial for relieving anxiety during pregnancy.

Massage can help promote more restful sleep and help prevent pregnancy related insomnia.

Pregnancy massage may relax your baby, particularly if abdominal massage is included.

It is vital however that you seek the assistance of a qualified professional who offers massage during pregnancy. Massaging the wrong areas or focussing on certain acupressure points may actually trigger uterine contractions in some women. Fortunately, massage therapists trained in prenatal massage know exactly what areas to avoid and what areas to focus on to provide pregnant women the most benefits during a massage therapy session. Toward the end of your pregnancy you might consider a prenatal massage to relax you during labour or even help strengthen your contractions!

Before signing up for a massage, you might check in with your healthcare provider to be sure your doctor approves massage in your condition. Most physicians will gladly recommend a massage, but may recommend the massage therapist avoid massaging your lower back or abdomen.