Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/588318
MASSAGE FOR MOMS-TO-BE F r e e S O A P n o t e s w i t h M a s s a g e B o o k f o r A B M P m e m b e r s : a b m p . u s / M a s s a g e b o o k 59 Pericardium 6 (top). Spleen 3 for hormone balancing (middle). From E. Stillerman, Prenatal Massage: a Textbook of Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum Bodywork, St. Louis, 2008, Mosby, Inc. Appropriate modalities: Swedish massage, reflex points on the feet (using 10–30 grams of pressure), acupuncture points, myofascial release, and connective tissue massage. Urinary System The mother's growing uterus puts pressure on her bladder and ureters, which can contribute to urinary incontinence. The bladder loses tone and becomes edematous, and since her immune system is suppressed, urinary tract infections are not uncommon. Integumentary System One of the first signs of pregnancy is often the darkening of nipples and areolae. The mother might notice a dark line from her pubic bone to mid- stomach: the linea nigra. Rashes; hives; acne (improved or worsened); dry, flaky, or itchy skin; and chloasma (the "mask of pregnancy") are all possible as a result of hormonal changes. Stretch marks—which cannot be prevented— may have a genetic component. Her skin darkens faster, as elevated levels of melanocyte-stimulating hormones protect her against sunburns. Avoid local massage to all skin irritations. Endocrine System This system becomes the master arbiter of all the changes that take place during pregnancy (labor and postpartum). There are elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone, which contribute to her emotional ups and downs, encourage fat stores in her body, and affect smooth muscle function. Increased progesterone also prevents the uterus from contracting too firmly to start labor. The pituitary and adrenal glands increase in size. Digestive System As the baby grows and the uterus enters into the abdominal cavity, the organs of digestion and elimination are compressed and slightly displaced. Hormonal influences, particularly progesterone, slow down their functioning to help the mother assimilate as much nutrition as possible for her and her baby. But the sequelae of sluggish digestion can be heartburn, gas, constipation, and hemorrhoids. The weight of the uterus on the mother's intestines and the myofascial restrictions in the pelvis slow down digestion and elimination. Esophageal reflux is also common, particularly as the uterus expands into the abdominal cavity. Lying down can exacerbate the symptoms for these women, so treatment must be given in a semi-sitting position, with the upper torso at an angle of 45–70 degrees, or sitting upright in a chair or on a stool (not a chair massage apparatus). At least two-thirds of all pregnant women develop nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP, a.k.a. morning sickness). Wait until her nausea subsides before massaging your client, and treat the acupuncture point Pericardium 6 on both forearms (hold for a count of 6–10 seconds, repeating a total of 6–10 times) as part of your massage. The Spleen 3 acupuncture point on both feet helps balance hormones and can help with NVP.