To most people, relaxation is a simple thing that requires no thought or effort, but in reality it can be the most difficult of all of the techniques to learn. Relaxation often is difficult to achieve because we perceive non-movement, or stillness, as counter-productive. We are suspicious of anyone who appears to be doing nothing, and since there is no perceived tangible benefit from relaxation it is not a practice that is accorded much merit in our society.

High levels of stress have been identified as having a pronounced negative effect on the developing fetus.

This is experienced perhaps no more keenly than by the woman who has been placed on bed rest or restricted activity. While she herself may be physically healthy, the circumstances of the pregnancy may reduce her to an "invalid" lifestyle. The idea the "lying around all day, doing nothing" may sound like it wouldn't be stressful, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. A woman on bed rest or restricted activity is under a great deal of stress. She is often left alone for extended periods of time if her partner works out of the home. She may be forced to rely on outside people for help in the home. As she remains on bed rest or restricted activity, her body begins to weaken and she begins to experience reduced motility and the complications that can arise from constipation. She has unlimited amounts of time to think about her baby and worry about her pregnancy; her stress levels can be astonishingly high.

High levels of stress have been identified as having a pronounced negative effect on the developing fetus. Stress also increases the risk for maternal depression, both antenatally and post partum.

Massage is one of the most efficient ways to promote relaxation. Touching also sends a message of caring and nurturing, something that no one can ever have too much of. Having someone touching you in this way while asking you for feedback makes it much easier to be aware of how you are feeling before and after a massage. Massage increases the blood flow to the area that is being worked on through the manipulation, and this softens and relaxes the muscles even if it is not immediately apparent. Recognizing the difference in the way your body feels when it is tense and how that changes when it is relaxed can help you notice when this is happening and release it yourself between massages. This can help to keep you relaxed and more comfortable during your pregnancy, even if it becomes complicated by a higher risk factor or bedrest.

Relaxation is one of the most selfish things that can be done for oneself and one of the most nurturing things someone else can provide. To be relaxed is to concentrate inward on the body and mind rather than on external events. When the body is at rest, it frees up the mind to search for answers and solutions. Relaxation reduces the effects of the sympathetic nervous system's response to stimulus of stress or labour pains (tension, fear, palm sweating, fight or flight instinct). It increases the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system (calmness, increased blood flow, reduced blood pressure, increased general well-being) allowing attention to be pulled into focus and the increases the effectiveness of the coping skills employed during pregnancy and delivery.

Relaxation has beneficial and calming effects for the baby as well. By increasing the blood flow to the placenta, the flow of oxygen and nutrients is maximized and the level of stress hormones that circulate in the blood is reduced. Relaxed muscles are more oxygenated and they work more efficiently thereby making the contractions more efficient and effectively reducing the length of time that labour can take.

For further reading on high-risk massage, go to Trimesters  website.

- Virginia Collins