Pregnancy can be a time of discomfort for a lot of women. Research shows that prenatal massage therapy can be an excellent way to reduce those uncomfortable aches and pains. 

Is prenatal massage safe? 

Yes absolutely, however you need to be well informed of this massage technique before you make your first appointment. It is also imperative to choose a licensed massage therapist that specializes in prenatal massage therapy technique. First you want to begin by getting the okay from your doctor. 

What is a prenatal massage? 

A prenatal massage is a special massage performed only on pregnant women. It is designed to ease the aches and pains of pregnancy. Prenatal massage also avoids certain areas and techniques. For example, very deep work on the legs, ankles, and feet is not appropriate during pregnancy massage due to the risk of blood clots. The pressure is typically light to medium, much like a Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage work can be performed on specific areas of the upper back and neck.

Pregnancy involves many physical and emotional changes. A pregnancy massage can soothe these aches and pains in a healthy, safe manner. Women say they experience improvement in low back pain, neck and shoulder tension, anxiety, swelling/sore feet, circulation, and hip soreness. It helps prepare the mind and body for the birthing process. 

Since there is a higher risk of miscarriage in the first trimester most massage therapist decline to massage a woman who is in her first trimester of pregnancy. 

Your massage therapist will have you lie on your side, which is the least stressful for both you and your baby. This technique focuses on stress, pain relief and swelling reduction which are all common issues with most pregnancies. 

Aside from prenatal massage, many mothers swear by postnatal massage, or maternity massage, a gentle massage enjoyed by brand-news mothers in the days and weeks after giving birth. A postnatal massage is great to aid the release of oxytocin (a hormone that helps with baby-bonding and nursing) and ease various post-birth issues, including swelling, back pain, out-of-whack hormones, and postnatal depression.

The takeaway 

Again, always seek to work with a certified prenatal massage therapist during your pregnancy. Massage therapists with training and certification in prenatal massage are aware of the special needs that pregnant women have based on the trimester and physical condition they are in.

Asking the right questions will put your mind at ease when scheduling your first pregnancy massage. Be certain to ask about the therapist’s prenatal massage training and experience before booking your massage to ensure you get the best quality care. 

Our friend James is concerned about his 82-year-old mother, who lost her husband and sister within a couple of months this year.

She’s showing signs of depression, which can be grave. Plus, she was recently diagnosed with AFib, or atrial fibrillation, and is working with her doctors to bring her heart to a proper, steady rate. AFib can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other problems.

James’ mother has friends and family to support her. She’s in good health and has been reasonably active physically, working out with resistance bands at home, tracking her steps, and going to yoga classes before her husband began ailing a few years ago.

James has learned that depression and AFib are common, serious problems for people over 50.

“I’ve also learned we have a powerful tool to treat them,” he says. “Exercise.”

Depression Is A Serious Illness

The American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry says 15 percent of people over 65 have symptoms of depression that interfere with their physical, mental and emotional health. 

Researchers at the University of Washington say mature adults with significant depression have healthcare costs 50 percent higher than those without it. The World Health Organization says that by next year, depression will be the second leading cause of premature death and disability around the world.

The good news? Research proves that exercise:

• Improves mood Reduces anxiety
• Reduces anxiety
• Increases the ability to handle stress
• Improves sleep

Scientists at the Duke University Medical Center tested exercise against antidepressants in 156 outpatients 50 and older. The two treatments worked about the same in eliminating symptoms, and exercise was better than medication in keeping depression from recurring.

A Connection to Heart Disease

Depression brings a higher risk of heart disease. Exercise improves fitness, of course, and helps lower the risk of both, according to a study published in the JAMA Network. 

“Depression doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” said Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, who wrote the report. “Especially for people who are older, depression has a complicated relationship with other major medical diseases.”

Among the findings:

• Fit people are 16 percent less likely to develop depression.
• Fit people are 61 percent less likely to die from heart disease.
• Even among people with depression, those who are fit have a 56 percent lower risk of dying from heart-related problems.

“Exercise not only reduces your risk of heart disease but also improves your depression, so I really see it as a bonafide treatment related to depression,” said Trivedi. “I want primary care physicians to prescribe not only antidepressants but also prescribe a dose of exercise for the treatment of depression.” 

Serious Issues We Can Fight

Experts say physical activity is usually good for people with AFib, according to WebMD.  Before you start ramping up your workouts, ask your doctor if you need any tests.”

The Mayo Clinic says doctors routinely recommend exercise and a healthy diet for patients with AFib. Again, talk to your doctor.

The American College of Cardiology says:

Studies show that compared with people with AFib who do not exercise, those who do:

• Have fewer AFib episodes,
• Go to the hospital less often, and
• Report a better quality of life

As for James’ mom, he’s going with her on doctor appointments, helping her maintain social routines – and encouraging her to exercise. 

“These are serious issues,” he says. “But we can fight them.”

See your doctor for more information about depression and heart disease, including AFib.