Pregnancy Blues

Pregnancy is one of the most amazing experiences in the life of any woman. Knowing that a tiny life is growing inside you cannot be compared to anything else. However, the emotional effects of pregnancy are not all positive. If you’re a first-time mother, you may be surprised to learn that both the physical and emotional changes occurring during pregnancy can be quite challenging at times. You’re not alone, and there’s no reason to feel embarrassed; if you’re experiencing the blues or feeling frustrated and anxious, it’s all perfectly normal.

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How Does Pregnancy Make You Feel?

Anxiety, stress, mood swings and even depression can all develop during pregnancy and make you feel like you’re on a roller coaster. Several factors play a part in your struggle. Your body is changing. You may tire more easily or find it physically harder to do things you did before you were pregnant. Your shifting center of balance and fluid retention can cause physical discomfort that further dampens your mood. If that’s not enough, your hormones are undergoing constant and dramatic changes, and this has an equally dramatic and sometimes unpredictable impact on your emotions. Don’t worry; there are ways to cope.

Coping Through Massage Therapy

You probably know that prenatal massage therapy provides physical benefits like pain relief, improved circulation and increased mobility, but do you know that it can also directly modify your emotions? The deep state of relaxation induced by skilled massage does more than just make your body feel good. It actually helps balance your emotions by releasing endorphins and reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can provide both immediate and long-term improvement in mood. With regular prenatal massage, you will feel calmer and more centered, and your sleep quality will improve. When your day starts out with morning sickness and then progresses to unexplained sadness and a panic attack by lunchtime, a professional massage is the perfect way to find relief.