The Importance of Bodywork during Pregnancy (updated)
Written by Kristen Miller
Ahhhh the pleasure of receiving a relaxing and therapeutic massage! When we talk about bodywork this is often what comes to mind, day spas, massage, manicures and facials. While these treatments are therapeutic in some way, they are not the type of bodywork I would like to address in this article.
Bodywork is essential for any healthy lifestyle regimen and is especially important during pregnancy. Some pregnant women are not educated on the benefits of bodywork during pregnancy or may not feel safe receiving bodywork during pregnancy. Below is a short summary of four extremely useful and effective modalities available to women during pregnancy. Direct contact numbers for specialists in New Haven County are also listed.
Bodywork is essential for any healthy lifestyle regimen and is especially important during pregnancy
Chiropractic:
There are millions of different hormonal changes and chemical reactions that take place to both mother and baby during pregnancy, all of which are controlled through the nervous system. You need a healthy nervous system that can respond to these changes both quickly and accurately. This is where a healthy spine comes into play.
A doctor of chiropractic aligns the vertebrae and pelvis, relieving pressure on the nerves and allowing full nerve energy to reach the tissues. Added weight gain, combined with changes in gait, center of gravity and a release of relaxin, a hormone which loosens ligaments, sets the stage for backache, neck pain and pelvic pain. Through proper chiropractic care many pregnant women find relief without having to use any pain medication. Other benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy are, shorter labor times, less likelihood of back labor and increased milk production.
Another technique used by some chiropractors is Active Release Technique (ART). ART is a wonderful, non-forceful approach to relieving low back and sacral pain during pregnancy. ART is a musculoskeletal approach to relieving pain that does not involve any vertebral adjustment. By using a combination of digital pressure and tissue motion and ART specialist is able to selectively stretch specific soft tissue areas that are causing pain and discomfort. This technique is a great option for pregnant women who may be uncomfortable receiving spinal adjustments during pregnancy.
Contacts:
- Dr. Colleen Pace, Mt. Carmel Chiropractic and Acupuncture,
3154 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518-2321. (203) 281-9635
www.hamdenhealthandwellness.com
- Dr. Keith Mirante, Coastal Chiropractic & Wellness
15 Meigs Avenue, Madison, CT 06443. 203-245.8217
ART Specialist:
- Dr. Mike Orifice, Active Health & Pain Relief Centers, LLC.
255 Cherry Street Suite A, Milford, CT 06460. 203-283-5404
Massage:
Modern research has proven that prenatal massage therapy can be a beneficial ingredient in prenatal care. There are various massage techniques that can be used to address different needs during pregnancy. Swedish massage relaxes muscle tension and improves lymphatic and blood circulation through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. As it’s names implies Deep Tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of the muscle aiming to release chronic patterns of tension. Shiatsu, a form of Japanese massage, employs the use of gentle but firm pressure along the meridians or pressure points of the body. As always it is recommended that pregnant women find a massage therapist who is certified in prenatal massage.
Some benefits of massage during pregnancy are, reduced back pain, leg pain, constipation, heartburn, water retention and nausea. Massage therapy can aid in the release of relaxing hormones, dopamine and serotonin, and the reduction of stress causing hormones, cortisol and norepinepherine. The outcomes are improved mood and cardiovascular health and fewer complications during birth.
Contacts:
- Jen Reynolds, Now & Then Therapeutic Massage,
187 Montowese St., Branford, CT 06405-3824. (203) 481-3777
- Lauren Sullivan, Rain Wellness Spa
187 Montowese St., Branford, CT 06405-3824. (203) 481-3777
Rolfing:
Rolfing, also known as structural integration, is a form of bodywork influenced by osteopathy, physical therapy and yoga. The goal of Rolfing is to improve health by bringing segments of the body into proper alignment. This is achieved by stretching and opening fascia (the fibrous layers covering muscles) to correct habitual patterns of misalignment in the head, shoulders, abdomen, pelvis and legs.
The musculoskeletal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause the fascia in the above-mentioned areas to stiffen, shorten and lose elasticity. The results can range from poor posture to emotional stress. Rolfing during pregnancy can open up the chest and diaphragm to make breathing easier, relieve nerve pain and compression associated with sciatica, expand the birth canal and reduce swelling.
Contacts:
- Brooke Thomas, New Haven Rolfing
839 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511. (646) 924-5877
Acupuncture:
Prenatal acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. A trained acupuncturist can safely perform acupuncture regularly throughout a pregnant women’s gestation. First trimester acupuncture addresses early pregnant symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue. During the second trimester the aim is to balance and offer relief from common complaints during pregnancy. Acupuncture during the third trimester prepares the body for labor and delivery. Acupuncture during weeks 32-36 may also succeed in turning breeched babies. After week 39 acupuncture may be used to induce labor if there are no complications with the pregnancy.
Another great benefit of acupuncture is that it may be used during labor for pain management. Acupuncture during labor helps with relaxation, stimulates the mother’s body to release prostaglandins and oxytocin to increase uterine contractions, helps the cervix dilate and relieves labor pain. Women who use acupuncture during labor are more likely to have a natural childbirth. These findings have been published in the American Journal for Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Contacts:
- Dr. Lily-Marie Blecher, Natural Health Associates
2558 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518-3045. (203) 230-2200
* All contacts are personal recommendations whom I fully trust sending any pregnant woman to. I am sure there are many other qualified practitioners in New Haven County. This is only a short list of practitioners I know personally. ~Kristen
Kristen Miller received her Masters degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of New Mexico. She is a certified exercise physiologist and personal trainer with over twelve years of experience. Kristen’s focus is on preparing women for childbirth and beyond by strengthening the muscles used during labor and teaching women how to use them correctly. Kristen is currently offering a pre-natal class at Blend for Kids in Branford, CT. She also does private and small-group in home pre and post-natal conditioning and meditation. Please check the website for more information:www.ppnatalconditioning.com
