Pregnancy/Baby
The Relaxed Pregnancy
By Laura Glann, CMT
June/July 2002

The duration of pregnancy is timed just about right. The first trimester is the adjustment period, the second is a time to revel in the glory of being pregnant, and by the last month of the third trimester, you are really ready to give birth! The mother's body goes through extreme changes structurally and chemically during this time. Hormones and stress can affect emotional health while aches and pains can result from changing postural patterns. Some activities that can help ease the transitions of pregnancy are prenatal massage, yoga and movement classes. Massage, yoga and movement all share a focus on the mind-body connection that can be significant to a woman's emotional and physical health.

Therapeutic massage addresses the needs of the pregnant woman on many levels. It can ease muscle tension associated with compensation patterns of posture. For example, as the baby grows, the increasing weight pulls the center of gravity forward. Low back pain and sciatica often result from the increase in the lumbar curve and flexibility of the pelvic ligaments. Postural shifting can contract certain muscles causing others to over-extend. Other complaints common to pregnancy are pain in the lower legs, feet, shoulders and neck. Neuromuscular massage releases the trigger points that cause aching throughout the muscles. Connective tissue work helps to restore the elasticity of fascia that runs through the body like a continuous web. Fascia is what holds our body in its particular posture. When released, the body can return to a more balanced state. Prenatal massage can decrease the swelling that often occurs and help rid the body of toxins that are stored in tight muscles.

In addition to the physical benefits, massage therapy can ease the emotional stress that often accompanies pregnancy. From day one of learning that she is pregnant, a woman's whole life changes. Taking time to relax and enjoy these special months can make a world of difference. Massage can help strengthen the mind-body connection in preparation for childbirth through breathing and visualization techniques. The client lies on her side similar to the way she sleeps or there is a body cushion that raises the woman so that she can lie on her abdomen.

Prenatal yoga is also a helpful component of childbirth preparation. Yoga emphasizes deep breathing while one practices different positions that stretch and strengthen muscles and connective tissue. The practice of prenatal yoga is specifically designed to soften and open the hips and pelvis while strengthening the large muscle groups of the lower abdomen. This strengthening helps to support the increased weight of the baby and mother. Flexibility in the hips makes childbirth easier.

Pregnancy is a great stressor for the body, yet most women work until their due dates and continue to carry just as many responsibilities. Prenatal yoga is an excellent way to relax, increase mind-body awareness and develop focus and concentration. The deep breathing learned can be used during labor contractions. Prenatal yoga instructor Judy Spears explains that the practice of yoga teaches acceptance. Accepting the new life within and the body that follows it, as well as accepting your birthing experience as it plays out is a powerful lesson to learn. Judy Spears teaches prenatal yoga at Athens Regional Medical Center. You can contact her at 706-548-3625.

Another way to move through your pregnancy is to join a belly dancing class! Chris Fricks is a belly dancing instructor who decided to teach a prenatal class when she became pregnant. While researching the origins of the dance form, she discovered that belly dancing actually began as a Middle-Eastern, pre-biblical religious rite celebrating motherhood. She explains, "Belly dancing is really a misnomer. It had the practical side of preparing women for childbirth. Young girls would begin to study it as a way to gradually tone the pelvic and abdominal muscles." Moves such as the hip shimmy and the pelvic drop were created as a way to integrate these areas. Belly dancing also involves deep breathing and develops body awareness.

Fricks explained that when a woman was going to give birth, women would gather together in the birth tent. As the woman managed her contractions through specific belly dancing movements, the other women would support her, help her, and dance along with her. The baby was literally danced into the world! This community made it possible for women to give birth naturally because they were in tune with their bodies. Birth was not something to fear but rather something that was celebrated. Joining a class with other pregnant women can foster this sense of community.

You don't need any previous dance experience to join the class. Chris will be teaching an eight-week session at the new Canopy Studio on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30. You can contact her at 706-296-4041.

Take care of yourself during this miraculous time. Slow down, relax, and listen to your body. Then get ready for the ride of your life!

Laura Glenn is a wife, mother of two small children, certified massage therapist, dance instructor and a natural childbirth advocator. She is mothering, massaging, working on choreography, helping to start an eco-village and exploring dance therapy.