In a recent post on her lifestyle blog, Heavenly Days, actress Katherine Heigl writes that one of the best ways to maintain a healthy self-esteem during pregnancy is to get a pregnancy massage.
Heigl says that pregnancy, and its potential effects on the body such as greasy hair and pimples, can bring down a woman’s self-esteem and make her feel “blah.”
The popular American actress suggests that pampering yourself during pregnancy by getting a facial, buying some beautiful maternity clothes, or getting a pregnancy massage, is a great way to combat that blah feeling.
According to WebMD, a study by the University of Miami School of Medicine shows that massage therapy can lower anxiety, decrease back pain, improve sleep, and reduce levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine, all which can greatly help moms-to-be.
Another study, this one about pregnancy massage for women who are undergoing depression, shows that massage therapy increased serotonin and dopamine (happy hormones) levels and decreased cortisol levels (not-so-happy hormone), resulting in an overall improved mood among the women.
Pregnancy massage sessions usually last one hour and are usually conducted on a pregnancy massage table (that accommodates the woman’s belly); or with bolsters, special pillows that promote comfortable positioning. As always, speak with your OBGYN before making any healthcare decisions.
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Check with a local massage therapist to confirm the types of massage are available in your area as regulations vary from state to state.