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Labor is broken down into three stages.  The first stage of labor is when the cervix thins out and opens and the contractions are persistent.  Your obstetric health care provider would say that your cervix is dilated and effaced.  This can last longer than 24 hours for first- time mothers, so be prepared!  The transition into the second stage of labor is when the cervix is opened up to it’s widest point (10cm) and your body begins getting ready to push.  The second stage of labor is when you push.  The baby is born during the second stage of labor.  The third and final stage is when the uterus continues with contractions to expel the placenta.  This can last up to thirty minutes.

If we look at stage 1 and take into consideration that the body is preparing for birth, what can be done naturally to help the body?  Stage 1 the cervix is dilating.  The cervix has to dilate or open up so the baby can descend.  Walking and standing are natural ways to keep the gravitational pressure of the baby on the cervix.

Massage is another way of relaxing the laboring mother in between contractions and relieving some of the pain associated with those contractions. According to a study performed in 1984 by “The Journal of Nurse-Midwifery,” all participating women responded positively to the physical contact of massage during labor.  The study reported that the women felt that the transition time between first and second stages of labor was the most helpful time.  The women reported that they felt more confident and were able to cope better through the rest of the delivery.  Massage therapy can stimulate various reflexology and acupressure points that assist the body in delivery and minimize the discomforts associated with labor.    During the third stage of labor, nursing of the infant initiates the contractions of the uterus and can shorten the time for the third stage as well as begin the maternal bonding process with the baby.  Massage of the abdomen can also help to facilitate the third stage of labor.

Take the time to plan your labor and delivery support team.    Who do you need to have there to help you through the birthing process naturally?  Check with your birthing facility ahead of time to make sure that your labor plan can be carried out.  This is a special time, make sure you have the support you need.

Sciatica is a painful inflammation of the sciatic nerve that travels down the back of the leg.  This is a common complaint during pregnancy because the change in posturing of the lower back and pelvis  that occurs throughout the nine months.  Chiropractic manipulation is a safe, effective treatment for the spinal misalignment’s that can cause  sciatica during pregnancy.  Often times, chiropractic care is combined with massage therapy for the treatment of sciatica.   Chiropractic manipulation corrects the spinal misalignment (aka subluxation) that is associated with sciatica, while certain massage strokes can improve blood flow to decrease the inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

Massage therapy can help to decrease the spasms of the muscles in the lower back and pelvis associated with the spinal subluxation.  Massaging these muscle groups will relieve the spasm and help hold the spinal adjustment given by the chiropractor.  For more information about sciatica and how to have a healthy pregnancy naturally, please contact us at thebumpOC.  Don’t be pregnant without us!

Swelling of the extremities is a common complaint during the last several weeks of pregnancy.  Edema is the medical term for swelling.  When edema accumulates in the legs and feet it is usually a result of the fetal head putting pressure on the pelvic veins.  This pressure restricts the blood flow from the lower extremities.  Leg edema can also be caused by the extra weight of the pregnancy as well.   If you are experiencing swelling in the legs and feet, notify your doctor or midwife of the change in your condition.  Edema should be monitored closely by your health care provider in order to determine whether or not it is a symptom of a more serious disorder such as toxemia.

Massage can help with edema and is a widely accepted treatment for this condition.  Studies have shown that certain types of massage techniques for lymphatic drainage has increased the reabsportion of edematous fluids and also increased the amount of urine output.  What this means in baby momma talk is “less swelling, more peeing, and relief of the discomfort associated with fluid retention.”

Research has shown that body posture plays an important role in venous blood return.  It has been found that lying on the left side is the most efficient posture for venous blood return.  It has also been proven that elevating the hands and feet above the heart level also helps in decreasing the swelling.

Our certified massage therapists, Renee Scott and Natasha Zaloz are trained in massage techniques that relieve edema in the extremities.  Please call us today, we would be happy to work with you toward having a healthy pregnancy naturally!

Enlarged and tender breasts are usually among the first signs of pregnancy.  These changes can occur within the first week or two and are often the first indicator that a woman is pregnant.  Pregnancy hormones circulating in the blood can trigger glandular development and increased blood supply, which can result in the breasts feeling full and tender on both the top and the sides of the breast.   Throughout your pregnancy your breasts will continue to grow and may be tender as the milk glands expand in preparation for nursing.  Wearing a supportive bra will reduce a lot of the breast discomfort you may be feeling.  Yes, you do need to get a maternity bra which is different than your pre-pregnancy bra’s.  We will cover maternity bra fittings in tomorrow’s article.  What can we do to help?  Massage.  Yes, massage!  Massage can reduce some of the heaviness of the breast by improving circulation.  Our massage therapists are trained to do prenatal breast massage and will teach you how to do a self-massage.  This can be done in the shower or at night before you go to bed.  Don’t be suprised if lactation occurs in the final stages of your pregnancy due to the stimulating effect of the massage and the ensuing release of hormones. This is a great way to help your body to get ready for nursing your new little one.  Call us today to schedule time with the massage therapist, remember the bumpOC, is your key to a healthy pregnancy naturally!

Charlie horses, or cramps of the calf muscles can be a baby momma’s worst nightmare!  They usually come without warning during sleep or during the first few minutes in the morning  with the initial stretch.  One way to relieve it is stretch your calve  in the opposite direction. This can be a great temporary solution until you can get in to our office for an appointment.

Massage relaxes the deeper muscle fibers and improves circulation to the calf muscle.  This provides an increase in nutrients (ie. calcium, potassium, magnesium) which are important to muscle function.  Remember, thebumpoc, is the key to a healthy pregnancy naturally!

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), can be extremely painful affecting one or both hands.  It is rapidly becoming the number one workplace injury in our industrialized nation for worker’s.  Baby Momma’s are more at risk for this because of the powerful hormone called relaxin, which causes all connective tissues of the body to relax in preparation for childbirth.  Relaxin may cause the band of connective tissue around the wrist that supports the carpal tunnel to relax as well.  This relaxation allows the “tunnel” to collapse, in  turn causing entrapment of the nerves of the wrist.  Entrapment of nerves can also happen at the elbow, shoulder, and neck. 

In most cases of CTS, nerve entrapment occurs because of a spinal misalignment in the neck which obstructs nerve flow into the upper extremity.  The area of pain, numbness, and/or tingling is usually determines the area of entrapment in the spine.  Chiropactic care in conjunction with massage therapy can resolve these symptoms naturally!    Massage improves the circulation which decreases the swelling in the extremities.  Massage also relaxes the muscles to allow proper spinal alignment to be restored and maintained.  Chiropractic care and massage therapy are a must for Baby Momma’s and anyone else who is suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.  Schedule your appointment today!  Remember the key to a healthy pregnancy naturally is “thebumpOC”.

Natasha Zaloz, certified massage therapist specializing in prenatal massage,  would like to share a few of the benefits of massage therapy during your pregnancy.   “I have been working with prenatal women for over 10 years, ” stated Natasha, “the following are a list of some of the benefits that I have recorded from my clients.”  “Most pregnant women state that they feel relaxed after a massage, this relaxed sensation carries through the evening which contributes to a deep and restful sleep.  Frequently I hear from my pregnant clients that as the baby gets more active, they have trouble sleeping.   The feedback during those times,  is that the massage really helped to get them a good nights rest.  When baby momma’s are relaxed, there is a decrease in muscle tension in her body.  This calming effect transfers to the baby.  When baby rests, momma can rest too.”

“Finding a comfortable sleeping posture can be difficult when you are pregnant.”   Natasha states, “ I work with my clients to find the position that is the most comfortable and safe for both momma and baby at all stages of  pregnancy.  Sometimes just adding a few pillows in the right spot can make a huge difference.  I give suggestions on pillow placement to my pregnant clients that will aid them in their restful state both in the office on the massage table, and at home in their own beds.”

“Feeling supported  is vital to everyone,” exclaims Natasha.  “I create an environment for each of my clients that allows them to feel comfortable (woman to woman) and supported emotional and energetically.”  Natasha further goes on to explain, “This is a sensitive time for women. 

  Not every woman can sail through their pregnancy in 4-inch stillettos , like Heidi Klumm.  Quite often they feel ill, unattractive and just down-right uncomfortable in their swollen bodies.  Massage therapy offers a time for them to feel supported both physically and emotionally through touch.  This is what I love most about my career.  The connection through touch is powerful both in a positive way and sometimes, unfortunately, in a negative way.  I am so thankful that I am  able to help in such a beautiful process as pregnancy.  It is just as much a rewarding experience for me as it is for my mommies-to be.”

As we have previously discussed in our nutrition articles,  iron deficiency anemia can be prevented.  If you have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia it can also be treated as we have also discussed.  Iron-deficiency can have serious consequences for your baby as we have also previously discussed.  The symptoms of iron-deficiency include fatigue, loss of appetite, brittle nails, lackluster skin, dizziness, and pallor.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you must report this to your health care provider immediately!  The sooner anemia is detected the sooner it can be treated.  The consequences of not recieving treatment for anemia are huge for your baby and leave you feeling awfully tired through your nine months of pregnancy.

Baby Momma’s  you can benefit from massage even if you are anemic.  A full body massage will reduce the fatigue that accompanies anemia.  Massage has long been recognized to increase blood and lymph circulation.  This means that oxygenated blood, rich in nutrients, is brought to tissue cells with increased circulation by massage.  Metabolic waste, and the by-products of tissue damage are transported from the cells another benefit of increased circulation by massage.  Stimulated circulation can raise the red blood cell count and thereby produce more hemoglobin.  Reflexology based massage technique has a point for anemia.  Stimulating this point will stimulate the spleen.  Why the spleen?  It not only recycles iron (the spleen is eco-friendly) but it also plays an important role in manufacturing hemoglobin.  As you can see, the benefits of massage for iron-deficient baby momma’s are numerous!  Schedule your appointment today!  Remember, “thebumpOC” is your key, to a healthy pregnancy naturally!

References

Human Physiology and Mechanisms of Disease, Arthur C. Guyton, M.D.

Mother Massage, Elaine Stillerman, LMT

Fatigue can be present for a number of reasons while you are pregnant.  Pregnancy slows down your metabolism, so you may feel tired.  Hormonal changes can also contribute to fatigue.  The extra weight you are carrying can also leave you feeling exhausted half way through the day.  Increased blood volume which slows down circulation; shortness of breath; constipation; anemia and nutritional deficiencies are all factors that contribute to your tired, exhausted, body.

We, at thebumpOC, can help!  A light, full body massage will combat fatigue from pregnancy.  Massage improves circulation which will increase oxygen absorption by the tissues of the body.  Waste products are eliminated and muscle stress is reduced with massage.  The post massage glow can be rejuvenating.  Massage also will induce sleep, which is exactly what most baby momma’s need!  What are you waiting for?  Call and schedule your massage today!  The bumpOC, is your key to a healthy pregnancy naturally!

Your body is undergoing many stress-producing changes.  Massage pleasantly and effectively eliminates many of the adverse effects of stress and the accompanying discomforts.

• Massage will help prepare for an easy delivery.  Self massage to the perineum promotes flexibility and elasticity.  It might actually help you avoid episiotomy.
• Massage stimulates glandular secretions, stabilizing your hormonal levels and making their side effects less severe.
• Massage to the legs can control varicose veins, and the draining effect of massage facilitates reduction of edema.
• An increase in general circulation offers a rise in blood to all areas of your body, including the placenta.  This brings greater nutrition to the tissues of the body and enhances waste product removal.
• “Lazy” red blood cells lining the vessel walls are reintroduced into circulation, thus increasing the red blood cell count.  This is of particular importance to those women with anemia.  A rise in the red blood cell count also helps to eliminate fatigue, since more oxygen-carrying hemoglobin is released into the bloodstream.
• The lymphatic system circulates faster and more efficiently, the result is more enery and less fatigue.
• The strain on the muscles of the lower back, abdomen, and shoulders can be greatly reduced through massage.  As your pregnancy advances to its final trimester, this relief will be most welcome.
• Muscle tone can increase with regular massage.  Muscle spasms and knots are easily released, and muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints enjoy greater flexibility.  This is most advantageous during labor.
• Massage sedates the nervous system, producing much needed rest and relaxation.  In utero, your baby feels the same way.  Frazzled nerves are lovingly soothed, and insomnia can be relieved.

Call to schedule your appointment today!

Information from: Mother Massage by, Elaine Stillerman, LMT