When you find out that you are pregnant, it can be simultaneously the best and scariest experience of your life. On the one hand, you may be elated that you are going to be a mother and on the other hand, you could be scared about the process of pregnancy, childbirth, and the impending responsibilities of motherhood. If you are experiencing any of these feelings, you may want additional pregnancy care on top of your standard medical care. Get to know some of these holistic approaches to care during your pregnancy so that you can incorporate them into your care plan.

Massage Therapy and Acupressure

Many women experience aches and pains as their body adjusts and changes during pregnancy. Pressure is being put on areas of the body in new ways, your center of gravity is changing, and you become more acutely aware of your belly and keeping it protected. All of this can lead to aches and pains in the back (especially the lower back), legs, feet, and even your shoulders and arms.

On top of that, many women become more stressed, anxious, or worried in general. All of this can lead to discomfort, both physical and emotional. Massage therapy and acupressure are two holistic treatments that can help with these symptoms of pregnancy. Both techniques rely on controlled pressure in specific areas of the body to relieve stress and pain.

Massage therapy seeks out areas of tension in the muscles and seeks to rub those muscle knots out of the body, releasing the tension. Acupressure focuses on specific points of energy on the body that can restore balance in the body and also trigger the nervous system to send nutrients to the areas that need healing. Make sure that you talk with your doctor before getting either one of these treatments to find a treatment option that is both safe and effective.

Mental Health Services and Pregnancy Coaching

With the changes in the body that go along with pregnancy as well as the hormonal and emotional changes, sometimes a woman's mental health can suffer. Whether or not she suffered from mental health issues prior to getting pregnant, she may develop depression or generalized anxiety. As such, pregnancy counseling and coaching are excellent resources when going through the process of bringing life into the world.

Mental health services can include couple's and individual counseling, pregnancy support groups, and even hypnotherapy and meditation as relaxation and calming techniques. Pregnancy coaching on the other hand can come in the form of doula care in which a certified doula helps you throughout your pregnancy and childbirth with emotional support, advice, and coaching.

Now that you know a few of the ways that you can get holistic care during your pregnancy, you can be sure that you get the well-rounded support and care that you need as your body changes. 

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