Prenatal Care

Pregnancy is a time when nurturing health is imperative!!!

Along with your regular prenatal visits with your Doctor or Midwife, having complementary therapies can help prevent and alleviate the discomforts that come along with pregnancy.

Massage Therapy During Pregnancy

Massage during pregnancy is enormously effective during pre and post-natal care to address the numerous physical and emotional changes occurring during this time. The physical changes include muscles that are continually adapting to the spine's changing shape and weight distribution. The hormone Relaxin is a hormone that is secreted during pregnancy which makes joints, tendons, and ligaments, move more freely than before. It is a hormone that is necessary to accommodate a growing baby, and it assists in the timing of labor. It causes softening and lengthening of the cervix and the pubic symphysis. In addition, it also relaxes ligaments, muscles, and joint attachments of the spine, pelvis, and throughout the body. This can cause irritation and an overall feeling of instability. Low back pain, poor posture, fatigue, pregnancy headaches, dropped arches, calf cramping, and swollen hands and feet are all symptoms most pregnant women can address with massage therapy. Prenatal massage can help with skin elasticity, the prevention of stretch marks, blood, and lymph circulation, and an overall sense of self-esteem and comfort with your changing body.

What is Prenatal Massage?

Registered Massage Therapists (RMT) who practice prenatal therapy have an understanding of muscular and postural conditions prenatal bodies are prone to developing. An RMT can play an active role in prevention, treatment, and education. They are also trained to recognize signs and symptoms of prenatal disorders, such as pre-eclampsia, which can endanger mother and child. In the early stages of pregnancy, the mother-to-be will be positioned in whatever manner she is most comfortable, including on her tummy if she prefers. The massage therapist will avoid some areas of the body, as well as acupressure points that are known to trigger labor, and will check for excessive swelling or other danger signs. In later stages of pregnancy, the treatment is given with the mother-to-be lying on her side, with bolsters, pillows, and cushions supporting the legs and belly for comfort. Positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby she is carrying.

When Should You Get a Prenatal Massage?

A mama-to-be can get a prenatal massage at any point during a healthy pregnancy. In order for your RMT to provide you with the most effective and individualized treatment possible, it is highly recommended that an obstetrician or midwife's visit be made prior to your first prenatal treatment to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information regarding your pregnancy. In the case of a high-risk pregnancy, consultation with your obstetrician or midwife before massage treatment is imperative.

The Benefits of Prenatal Massage Therapy

Prenatal massage offers a wide range of benefits, including treatment for the following:

Reduces muscular pain and tension caused by postural changes and weight gain
Reduces swelling and associated conditions through stimulation of the circulatory and lymphatic systems
Treats/Prevents Sciatica and other nerve compression syndromes through treatment of tight/shortened muscles that irritate the underlying nerves
Alleviates stress/anxiety by reducing Cortisol (stress hormone) and increasing serotonin/dopamine (feel-good hormones)
Assists in postural awareness helping to prevent injuries/conditions pre and postnatally
Assists in preparation for labor through physical/emotional support during pregnancy

Physiotherapy Care During Pregnancy

Physical activity is considered safe and beneficial for pregnant women without contraindications to exercise. Pregnancy can be seen as a great time for lifestyle modifications. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is proven to be beneficial for both mother and fetus in most pregnancies with the necessary modifications.

Exercise improves the health and well-being of both the mother and infant during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are viewed as “teachable moments” where women are motivated to change their habits to improve the health of their babies and themselves. This unique period of time provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals, specifically physiotherapists, to educate women on the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle interventions, which include exercise.

In women, physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period confers benefits for the following maternal and fetal health outcomes

Decreased cesarean births and operative vaginal delivery
Better postpartum recovery
Prevention of postpartum depression
Prevention of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG)
Reduced risks of obesity in pregnancy
Reduced pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes (GDM), fetal macrosomia, and low birth weight.

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care is essential for the pregnant mother. Her systems and organs are now providing for two, and ensuring those systems are running optimally is critical for the baby's growth and development. Specific chiropractic care
addresses the mother's spine and pelvis, which will change tremendously to accommodate the growing baby. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy addresses balance in the mother's spine and pelvis. When the spine or pelvis is out of
balance, the diameter of a woman's pelvis is decreased. Chiropractors call this a spinal misalignment, or a 'subluxation'.

This subluxation will cause an imbalance in her pelvic muscles and ligaments. This is important because as the baby grows, the pelvic ligaments will support the growing uterus. When the pelvis and ligaments are balanced, the uterus can
enlarge symmetrically. When the pelvis is subluxated, the uterus will torque and reduce the maximum amount of space for the developing baby. In some cases, this restricts the baby's movement during pregnancy and can prevent the baby from getting into the best possible position for birth.

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