Using Prenatal Massage for Back Pain Relief

Author: Sandra Wilson

One thing that most expecting mothers have in common is a list of aches and pains that seems to grow larger as the due date approaches. Fortunately, a branch of massage therapy known as prenatal massage is available just to help those women whose bodies are sore and tired from the experience of pregnancy. Back pain is one of the bigger problems in a pregnancy, and prenatal massage is an excellent tool to provide back pain relief during pregnancy.

Prenatal massage is meant to alleviate tension, help minimize aches and pains throughout the body, improve circulation, and make the mother feel better about the whole experience in general. Some areas where stress seems to accumulate are the back, neck and shoulders. Legs can also benefit, since massaging helps reduce blood pooling, and the head, feet, hands and face can be gently massaged to help relieve tension.

One of the big benefits of prenatal massage is that it can provide back pain relief during pregnancy by relieving muscular tension in the back and neck, alleviate stress on various joints and the lower back, and by promoting proper posture along with the reduction of stress hormones.

One of the more common ways in which prenatal massage is performed is to have the expectant mother lie on her side on the massage table. Or, they can make use of a pillow designed especially for expecting mothers. The pillow has a big center cutout, so the mother can lie on her stomach, feeling completely relaxed and comfortable. It is generally not recommended that you lie flat on your back, as this can reduce or cut off circulation to both mother and child.

If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, massage is usually not recommended, but it is safe for most other expectant mothers. If you have any questions about whether or not your should get a massage, check with your doctor first. Be sure to tell the therapist up front if you are having any complications with your pregnancy.

Depending on your comfort level, and how much time you have available, a session can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. If you can manage it, try to get a massage once a week during the second trimester, and twice a week during the third. The closer you get to your due date, the more important it is that you feel happy and relaxed.

Prenatal massage has a number of benefits aside from relieving back pain. It improves circulation and digestion, reduces fatigue and swelling in hands, feet and legs. It can ease headaches, lessen pain in the pelvic and hip area, promotes deep breathing and relaxation, and can help cure insomnia. It is also beneficial on an emotional level; as it provides a time for the mother to unwind, relax, and let some of the stress of pregnancy just melt away.

This massage is safe for most expecting mothers, so take the opportunity to find a good massage therapist in your area who can help make your pregnancy much more pleasant, relaxed and free from pain.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/using-prenatal-massage-for-back-pain-relief-1130652.html

About the Author: You can find helpful information about prenatal massage and everything you need to know about back pain relief during pregnancy at Aha! Baby.

The Anatomy of Prenatal Visits

Author: Gem Villamin

It is important for prenatal care and pregnancy to go hand in hand. As soon as you learn about your pregnancy, you will need schedule a visit to your trusted healthcare provider as soon as possible to set your very first prenatal appointment.

You will probably need to free up your schedule to allot ample time to clear your doubts and apprehensions during the initial stages of your pregnancy as well as knowing what to expect on the next few months. If possible, it would also be advisable to invite your partner to the doctor’s consultation.

During the first meeting, the doctor will be able to give you the expected delivery of the baby. This estimation of the date is also important for careful evaluation of the monthly growth of the fetus. For women with irregular menstrual cycles, doctors usually recommend ultrasound scans to derive a clearer picture with regard to the expect date of delivery. Mothers will also be asked to record the height, weight as well as the blood pressure to have a reliable assessment of the mother’s health. In some cases, PAP tests may be required to screen for cervical cancer.

On the prenatal visits, blood tests are also conducted to screen for certain diseases such as the following:

• Mumps
• Measles
• Rubella
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Kidney disorders
• Diabetes

Apart from these tests, the doctor will ask you about you lifestyle and eating habits and may ask you to make the appropriate changes to accommodate your pregnancy.

What to expect in future visits

After your first prenatal visit, you may need to see your doctor every four weeks or so until the 28th week of pregnancy, after which you will need to see each other more often. In addition to these checkups, you may also want ensure possible screening methods to ensure normal development of the baby. The important key here is to discuss these options to your doctor and seek expert advice.

A sonogram or ultrasound will also be conducted between 18 to 200 weeks. You will also be advised to take multivitamins that contains iron and folate to ensure you are getting enough nutrients in your diet. If you have questions, be sure to list it down and ask your doctor about your concerns for your next visit.

As your pregnancy progresses, you will eventually discuss your birth plan. Here are some possible issues that you may need to work out with your doctor:

• Who will she or he work with you throughout your pregnancy?
• Where will the baby be delivered?
• Who will be on call if in case your doctor will be on vacation?
• In case of emergencies, who will attend to you?
• What prenatal education does he or she recommends?

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/the-anatomy-of-prenatal-visits-682298.html

About the Author: Gem Villamin owner and author of http://preggytips.com a newsletter that talks about Pregnancy, Baby Care, Parenting and more. Check out more articles on http://preggytips.com

The Importance of Prenatal DHA For the Baby's Development

Author: Rich Hawkins

Many studies now show how important omega-3 DHA prenatal nutrition is, and how crucial it is for the development of the unborn baby. Whilst many women are taking these in supplement form, it is vital to select carefully to enjoy the full benefits and not be at risk from contaminants.

With studies showing that over 85% of pregnant and nursing mothers are deficient in DHA omega-3 and that around 70% of a new born baby's nervous system and brain are made up of it, it is clear just how important prenatal DHA is.

DHA prenatal nutrition is so vital that even the European Union recommends taking at least 200mg per day. This has been shown to benefit the mother by a healthier pregnancy, a reduced risk of a premature birth and less incidence of post natal depression.

With benefits as big as helping fetal development, higher IQ, improved eyesight and less risk of any behavioural problems later in life, a prenatal DHA fish oil supplement is simply a necessity.

With recommendations to only eat one portion of oily fish a week because of the contaminants, it is essential to take a high quality supplement. The problem is with such a competitive market, there are many poor ones.

Purity in DHA prenatal supplements is very important and oil from fish like Hoki from the pristine waters of New Zealand are naturally rich in DHA and low in contaminants.

You should absolutely ensure that the product has been molecularly distilled to remove all the impurities like mercury, lead and arsenic which the fish carry in their flesh from polluted waters. This process will leave only safe pure concentrated oil in its natural state ready for easy absorption by the body.

Your main problem will be to find an oil that has a higher amount of DHA as opposed to the other omega-3 fatty acid EPA. Almost all of them have higher EPA levels as it is cheaper to produce, but you should look for around 250mg of DHA per capsule or soft gel.

In closing, I hope this article on DHA prenatal fish oil supplements has shown you the amazing benefits and will guide you to the best oil.

If you would like to learn more about the high quality DHA fish oil supplements I personally take daily, visit my website today.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/the-importance-of-prenatal-dha-for-the-babys-development-952095.html

About the Author:

Discover the best prenatal DHA fish oil today.

Rich Hawkins is a dedicated researcher of nutrition, diet and the amazing health benefits of high-quality fish oil. Discover the very latest and effective omega-3 fish oil supplements Rich recommends after extensive research.