Benefits of massage during pregnancy

A good massage can also provide relief from many discomforts brought on by pregnancy symptoms like muscle cramps and spasms; myofascial pains felt on neck, shoulders, lower back, hips and legs; stressed knees and ankles; swelling of the hands, arms, legs, and feet due to fluid retention; difficulties in sleeping; and, psychological cares like anxiety and restlessness. And according to a number of studies, the fetus also benefits from the massage treatment the mother receives. A massage therapy also makes the mother’s body more pliant resulting into a less painful labor and easier delivery.

Pregnancy requires specially trained massage therapists

The techniques used in pregnancy massage differ from those used in other types of massage because the health and safety of the fetus is given utmost consideration. For this reason, massage therapists who work on pregnant women receive special training and must be duly certified.

Things to remember when it comes to pregnancy massage:

•    Pregnancy massage should be performed only on women who are past their third month of pregnancy. The reason is massage therapy increases blood circulation but this may cause dizziness and aggravate the morning sickness symptoms.

•    The pregnant woman must be carefully positioned during the massage to ensure her safety and that of her unborn child.

•    If a massage table must be used, it should be semi-reclining. Consider using extra pillows to wedge the body and provide extra padding to increase patient comfort.

•    As a precautionary measure, the pregnant woman should never be made to lie prone with her belly beneath her. Also, it is ill-advised to use a flat table with a hole provision for the bulging abdomen as this will stress her lower back unnecessarily.

•    The therapist should not massage or press the pregnant woman’s specific body parts, such as the left and right sides of the ankles and the webbing between the thumbs and index fingers. These critical points can cause premature labor if subjected to constant pressure.

Under normal circumstances, any pregnant woman can enjoy a good body massage without fear for her safety. However, if she has a special condition, she will need clearance from her obstetrician or health care provider before going in for a pregnancy massage. Women who ought to think twice about pregnancy massage are those who have pre-term labor risk and those suffering from blood clots and other related disorders.

The healing power of massage

Still, pregnancy massage is just like the other types of massage in that it uses the healing power of the human touch. Humans need physical connection from other human beings. This physical connection through the touch promotes comfort, love, caring, and security. It increases awareness and raises the sensory levels. For this reason, many people, pregnant or not, seek massage

I was in my 18th week of pregnancy, and flabbergasted by the question. “Will I know what the results mean,” I asked. Going a little red I admitted, “I don’t even know what I’m being tested fo r.”

It’s my fourth pregnancy, so when my doctor said, “Go get your blood drawn,” I obediently went. I am, after all a very good pregnant lady, taking my prenatal vitamin every day, eschewing caffeine, and faithfully doing yoga for pregnant women.

I like to leave all the fancy medical terminology and the worries that go with it to my doctor. When a week later, the doctor told me the tests were normal, I breathed a sigh of relief, though I wasn’t quite sure what bullets my baby and I had dodged. As I left the clinic, however, I vowed to become better informed.

The four tubes of blood I’d given were used to type my blood and for the triple screen test (also known as multiple marker screening and AFP plus). The test is used to project the probability of genetic birth defects like Down’s syndrome or spina bifida.

The test looks at the levels of three specific substances in the blood, alpha-fetalprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and estriol. The results are combined with the mother’s age, weight, ethnicity and gestation of pregnancy in order to assess probabilities of potential genetic disorders. It is very important when reading the test to know the age of the fetus, since the levels of these substances considered normal changes as pregnancy progresses.

Abnormal test results don’t automatically mean a baby will have a birth defect. The test has a very wide range of abnormal results to prevent missing a fetus that has a serious condition. These tests DO NOT diagnose a problem; they only signal that further testing should be done.

Recently, prenatal screening tests have also become available in the first trimester as an option for patients who are known to be at a high risk for having babies with birth defects because of age or a family history of birth defects. The testing combines maternal blood tests with an ultrasound evaluation.

After an abnormal triple screen, a doctor may recommend an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.

Chorionic villus sampling, (or a CVS) is done in the first trimester and is also recommended to those patients whose medical histories reveal a higher possibility of birth defects. It can also be used to determine paternity. It is usually performed between 10 to 13 weeks. CVS is a diagnostic procedure that involves removing some chorionic villi cells from the placenta at the point where it attaches to the uterine wall. The American Pregnancy Association describes the two different ways samples can be collected.

Transcervical: An ultrasound guides a thin catheter through the cervix to your placenta. The chorionic villi cells are gently suctioned into the catheter. This is the most common method.

Transabdominal: An ultrasound guides a long thin needle through the abdomen to your placenta. The needle draws a sample of tissue and then is removed. This procedure is similar to that of amniocentesis.

While chronic villus sampling can be performed earlier in the pregnancy to sooner identify genetic problems, it has a slightly higher risk of miscarriage than an amniocentesis (1-3 out of 100 cases).

Similar to a chronic villus sampling, but more widely known, is an amniocentesis. Amniocentesis detects chromosome abnormalities, neural tube defects and genetic disorders.  It is performed between 14 and 20 weeks. An ultrasound is used as a guide to determine a safe location for a needle to enter through the mother’s belly into the amniotic sac so the fluid may be safely removed. A sample of amniotic fluid is collected through the needle.

Down syndrome or Trisomy 21 is the most common chromosome abnormality it detects. Genetic disorders include disorders like cystic fibrosis. The most common neural tube defect is spina bifida. An Amniocentesis is occasionally used late in pregnancy to assess whether the baby’s lungs are mature enough for the baby to breathe on his own.

An amniocentesis is 98 percent accurate in determining if chromosomal defects are present, however, it cannot determine the severity of the associated birth defects.

Although an amniocentesis is a fairly common procedure, there are some risks associated with it. The risk of miscarriage is 1 to 2 out of 200. After the procedure the mother may experience cramping, leakage of fluid, or minor irritation around the puncture site.

Though pre-natal testing can cause anxiety, these tests are performed by experienced professionals hundreds of thousands of times each year. Being informed about the procedures can help ease the apprehension.

For more about prenatal testing visit American Pregnancy.org or Baby Center.com .

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated and you have no other medical problems, it is probably safe to exercise. However, it is always necessary to check with your doctor before you start any exercise program.

Tips for safe exercise during pregnancy

After doctor approval, the American Pregnancy Academy gives these tips for exercising during pregnancy.

 If you are just starting an exercise program as a way of improving your health during your pregnancy, you should start very slowly and be careful not to over exert yourself.

 Listen to your body. Your body will naturally give you signals that it is time to reduce the level of exercise you perform.

 Never exercise to the point of exhaustion or breathlessness. This is a sign that your baby and your body cannot get the oxygen supply it needs.

 Wear comfortable exercise footwear that gives strong ankle and arch support.

  Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids during exercise.

  Avoid exercise in extremely hot weather.

  Avoid rocky terrain or unstable ground. Your joints are more lax in pregnancy and ankle sprains and other injuries may occur.

  Contact sports should be avoided during pregnancy.

 Weight training should emphasize improving tone, especially in the upper body and abdominal area. Avoid lifting weights above your head and using weights that strain the lower back muscles.

 During the second and third trimesters, avoid exercise that involves laying flat on your back, as this decreases blood flow to your womb.

 Include relaxation and stretching before and after your exercise program.

 Eat a healthy diet that including plenty of fruits and carbohydrates.

It is important to remember to slow down your level of exercising during pregnancy. Give yourself permission to rest.

If you have exercised before pregnancy, you can continue as long as you feel comfortable and your doctor approves.

For healthy pregnant women, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.

If you have not been exercising, start with just five minutes a day and build up your physical activity a little at a time until you reach 30 minutes daily.

Exercises that might be right for you

You don’t have to join a gym or buy expensive equipment, walking is great exercise for beginners, it provides moderate conditioning with minimal stress on to your joints. Try walking around your neighborhood. Grab a friend, a good chat will help the time fly.

Many fitness centers and hospitals offer classes that are designed for pregnant women. It can be a fun way to meet other mothers in your area and having a scheduled time can keep your exercising more consistent.

Other good exercise choices for pregnant women include swimming and cycling on a stationary bike. If these exercises are not appealing to you, think outside the box. Try dancing, easy hikes or rowing. Check with your doctor to make sure anything you do is approved.

Stay well hydrated and try to exercise during the coolest parts of the day in summer. Never exercise to the point of exhaustion. Take it easy and take lots of rests. Pushing yourself too hard is not good for you or your baby.

More information at the Pregnancy.org website . Visit Family Doctor for more tips on having a healthy pregnancy.

GAINING AND GROWING As you’re gaining and growing, be careful to reach a healthy weight that your body frame can comfortably manage. A person starting at a normal weight should gain from 25 to 35 pounds. An underweight person might need to gain more: 28-45 pounds, while an overweight woman may need to gain less: 15-25 pounds. Whatever your size, it is important to discuss with your doctor what a healthy, comfortable pregnancy weight is for you. That weight can be maintained through a healthy diet and regular moderate exercise. Underweight women may have challenges during the actual birth while overweight women are more likely to experience varicose veins, lower back pain, and swollen feet during the actual pregnancy. Whatever your comfort complaint is, be sure that it is not related to an unhealthy pregnancy weight. Pregnant women who struggle with under or overweight problems should talk to a doctor about a regimented diet.

BELLY COMFORT Being comfortable around and inside the belly during pregnancy can be a pregnancy challenge. Overeating can cause indigestion and constipation. Be careful to eat a well-rounded diet, and if the baby is crowding your stomach, try eating six small meals instead of three regular ones. Six small meals are a good way to avoid overeating and the pain of indigestion. It can also help you feel well fed throughout the day so that you avoid that big hungry feeling that often hits just before mealtime. If indigestion becomes a problem, talk to your doctor about a good over-the-counter antacid.

Moving around and getting some exercise is important. Take a low impact aerobics class or a short 20 minute walk each day. Exercise will help chase that tired pregnancy feeling away and help you have more energy. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day will also keep your insides in good shape and the blood and food flowing. Should constipation strike, talk to your doctor about natural options such as prune juice or a natural fiber laxative.

As your baby grows, the belly stretches. This can cause itching and stretch marks which might be bothersome. A good nourishing lotion is important for both the soul and baby belly. Try a lotion with cocoa butter or vitamin E. Slather it on after showering or bathing and before you go to sleep at night. Lotion will help ease any itchiness that your skin may develop from stretching, and it may or may not prevent stretch marks which are usually caused by a lack of elasticity in the skin.

SITTING AND STANDING Sitting and standing for long periods of time when you’re pregnant can cause a lot of discomfort. As the uterus grows, a large amount of pressure is put on the major nerve located on the right side of the body called the sciatic nerve. Blood flow is also increased during pregnancy, putting extra pressure on the veins. Sitting too much, especially with your legs crossed, can hamper how the blood is flowing from the legs to the fetus. Standing too much puts extra pressure on the veins as they work to get the extra blood from the legs to the upper extremities. Women who stand or sit too much during pregnancy can develop sore legs and varicose veins. If possible, find a balance throughout your day between sitting and standing. If your job requires you to stand more than sit, ask for a stool to be put nearby so that you can sit from time to time as your work permits. If you sit the majority of the day, be sure to take a few walking breaks to get the blood supply moving. You can also wear extra supportive hose and be sure to elevate the feet when resting. Sleeping on your left side with the right leg positioned on a body pillow can also help legs feel better. Should any soreness or swelling develop in your legs and feet, take a warm soothing bubble bath and be sure to consult your doctor.

OH MY ACHING BACK! When the muscles in the back work hard, they have a tendency to ache. As you move during pregnancy, the muscles around the baby and your back are working hard to support all the extra weight you are carrying. The baby may be laying on some of your nerves and this too, can cause pain in your back or down the side of your leg. Be careful of how you bend. Bend from the knees. Squat down from your knees to pick up that dropped toy or napkin. At the end of the day have your partner or loved one give you a massage. No takers? Make an appointment with a professional. Should the baby sit on one of your nerves or just happen to find an uncomfortable spot within you, rock your pelvis back and forth while gently nudging your belly. If the baby is awake, this will sometimes help him or her to move over to a different spot. Staying comfortable during pregnancy can be a challenge. Just remember to be wise and nurture both yourself and the baby. A healthy weight, proper skin care, a balance between sitting and standing, and watching your back can bring more comfort and joy to your pregnancy experience.

We recommend the following links for more information:

Information on healthy pregnancy weights

Resource on the skin and stretch marks.

Help for avoiding varicose veins during pregnancy

Information on lower-back/nerve pain attributed to pregnancy and how to avoid it.

Even when expecting my fourth child, I still found it difficult to know when to head to the hospital. My water had broken twice at labor’s onset and my third delivery had been an induction. So, I started getting frustrated when I would feel contractions nightly, only to have them go away after a couple of hours. I wondered how I would ever know when to go to the hospital, Then one night, my water broke, It was finally time.

Labor and delivery are different for everyone, One of my labors lasted only 2 and a half hours, other women contract for over 24 hours.

It is important to talk to your doctor about labor during your last trimester. She will give you instructions about when to go to the hospital, You may have special concerns with your pregnancy that make it different for you than for other people.

No one knows when labor will start or what causes it to start, Even for the same woman it can be different in every pregnancy, Hormonal and physical changes can be signs labor is close,

Your baby may lower and settle into your pelvis, This is called lighting, Some people may also say the baby “has dropped.” It can occur a few weeks or a few hours before labor.

When the cervix starts to open, the mucus plug that has been accumulating there will discharge, It may be clear, pink, or slightly bloody, Again, it can occur a few weeks before labor,

During your last few doctor visits, your OB will check your cervix for labor progress with a pelvic exam, Your cervix thins out and opens up to allow your baby’s head to pass through, This thinning, called effacement is measured in percentages from 0 percent to 100 percent, When your cervix is halfway ready, it is 50 percent effaced, when it is completely thinned out it is 100 percent effaced. The opening, or dilation of your cervix is measured in centimeters, It is completely dilated at 10,

Dilation of the cervix is caused by contractions, Most women use the strength and timing of their contractions to determine when it is time to go to the hospital, This can be confusing, because before true labor begins, you may have false labor pains or Braxton Hicks contractions,

Unlike true labor, Braxton Hicks contractions come and go, They do not get closer together and do not increase in intensity and length with regularity.

True labor contractions generally begin 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds, The contractions become more regular until they are less than 5 minutes apart, When the contractions are strong, last 45 to 60 seconds and occur 3 to 4 minutes apart it is probably time to go to the hospital.

One sure sign your baby will be born in the next 24 hours is when the amniotic membrane or “your water” breaks, It may come in a sudden gush, or a steady trickle, When this happens, go to the hospital, or contact your doctor immediately.

For most women, the amniotic membrane doesn’t rupture until well into labor when they are already at the hospital, Sometimes the doctor will rupture the membrane himself,

If you ever have any questions about whether or not you are in labor, call your doctor for instructions.

Though at the end of your pregnancy you may feel your baby will never come, labor will one day catch you by surprise and you’ll know it’s finally time.

For more information on labor and delivery, visit Medicine Net, Labor and Delivery.

There is no right when or how, to share the news. Some people like to wait until after the first trimester when they have already seen their doctor and there is less chance of miscarriage. If becoming pregnant is going to keep you from regular activities, such as a job that requires lots of heavy lifting, or exposure to strong chemicals, you will want to let those involved know right away.

My cousin, Sarah, chose Thanksgiving Dinner to share her news. Her son came dressed in a t-shirt that said, “I’m the big brother”.

Holidays can be a fun time to let people know you are expecting by giving special Christmas gifts marked “Grandma”, or sending the news in Valentines.

Though you are excited about your pregnancy, there are some people it may be awkward to share it with. I was intimidated to tell my boss about the coming birth of my first child, since I hadn’t worked at the company very long. So, when my boss asked if I knew my vacation plans for the summer I told him I would be taking maternity leave in July.

It might also be hard to share the news with friends or family members who have lost a baby or had trouble conceiving. Be sensitive to their feelings, but remember leaving them out of this exciting part of your life will hurt them more.

Some people will make insensitive or unkind comments about your impending motherhood. Don’t let them dampen your mood, it’s your body, your baby and none of their business.

And now my confession — I am expecting my fourth child. Yes, that is more than the average family, which is great because I always wanted a lot of kids.

How and when did you break the news? Share your story with childnparent readers. E-mail us at contact@childnparent.com

Tender, swollen breasts: Increasing levels of hormones in the body can cause sore or swollen breasts. This feeling is similar to the feeling you may have just before your menstrual cycle.

Nausea or vomiting Most women do not begin feeling morning sickness until several weeks after conception, however some begin to feel queasy just days after conception. Remember that nausea can occur at any time, not just in the morning.

Fatigue That feeling of extreme tiredness is a sign that occurs almost instantly when you are pregnant. If you are tired all of the time, you might be pregnant.

Bleeding Some women have a small amount of bleeding at about the same time that they would normally start their period. This bleeding is called implantation bleeding. Some doctors say that the fertilized egg implanting into the lining of the uterus causes the bleeding. The blood will generally be very light and may appear to be old blood, or reddish- brown blood.

Frequent urination Spending a lot more time in the bathroom? Pregnancy causes increased fluid in the body, thus causing you to have to urinate more often. The bad news is that this will only get worse as the pregnancy goes on and you have a baby pushing on your bladder all of the time.

Heartburn Many women report heartburn as one of their first signs of pregnancy. You may need to watch what you eat in order to keep heartburn to a minimum.

Late period If you are generally on a regular cycle and your menstrual cycle is late, it is time to take a pregnancy test. Remember that pregnancy tests are not always accurate, so it may be a good idea to follow up with your doctor even if the test is negative for a more accurate blood test.

Other signs

Here are some other signs, not as common, that you may be pregnant: -Bloating -Changes in libido -Headache -Skin changes -Constipation -Gut-feeling that you are pregnant -Nosebleeds -Cravings

Good Luck!