Congratulations on growing to your next level of goddess!
Undoubtedly you've started on vitamins, cut back on coffee and bought some cream for stretch marks. And that is only the beginning of your new wellness regimen for the next 40 or so weeks. Next time you are with your doctor you should ask if massage would be a good addition for you.
Massage therapy has many benefits for the human body and all of it's systems. This is no less true, and perhaps even more, for human body's growing another tiny little human.
Skeletal muscular pain can burden us all. But especially someone undergoing a new stage of womanhood. With added weight causing increased joint pain. Structural changes straining already tight muscles . And new hormones loosening ligaments calling on more muscular stability. Manual massage of the soft tissue can help alleviate aches and pains, reduce trigger points and smooth out bound up connective tissue.
This is particularly helpful with lower back pain, neck shoulder discomfort and even tension caused headaches.
One of the common, less loved, side effect of creating life, is the doubling in size of two feet and ten toes. Excess fluid in the body coupled with the pressure from the growing fetus causes edema. Gravity does the rest, bringing this fluid down to the feet. Elevating the feet can help. Massage to the hips, thighs, legs and feet can increase circulation and allow the fluid to drain through the bodies natural systems. Reducing the swelling and any discomfort caused by it.
Naturally, hormones are all over the place at this time in your life. And that is not entirely a bad thing. Though there are some hormones we can all do with some less of on our day to day, and others a bit more. Cortisol and norepinephrine "stress hormones" can be reduced with regular massage. While sarotonin and dopamine , the "feel good" hormones, can be increased.
Balancing these hormones have continued benefits. Helping in reducing stress and anxiety. Reducing stress and anxiety feels great enough, but this also helps with muscle tension and sleep.
This can be one of the best times in your life, so why not feel the best you can. So, in addition to what you and your doctor think is best think about some alternative methods like massage and even yoga.
