Prenatal Massage
Frequently Asked Questions
Prenatal massage has a wide range of benefits for expectant moms. Many women seek prenatal massage therapy to reduce low back pain, sciatic symptoms, or excess swelling in the legs and feet. Others seek relief of neck, shoulder, and hip discomfort caused by postural changes or sleeping positions. And finally, all expectant moms (and babies!) benefit from the reduction in stress hormones brought about by receiving a soothing prenatal massage.
What makes prenatal massage different from “regular” massage?
As mentioned, prenatal massage shares many goals with “regular” massage (massage for non-expectant clients): relaxation, stress reduction, and alleviation of various muscle and joint discomforts. The same techniques that comprise general Swedish or Deep Tissue therapy – for example: kneading, stroking, trigger point, stretching, etcetera – are also used in prenatal massage. However, the physical changes experienced by expectant moms require the therapist to modify techniques and client positioning as the pregnancy progresses. Prenatal massage also requires knowledge of pregnancy complications and contraindications so that massage is only provided when it is safe to do so.
Is prenatal massage safe?
The safety of second and third trimester massage (all the way up to – and even during – labor and delivery) is widely accepted. However, opinions differ regarding the safety of first-trimester massage. Some opponents believe that massage at this early stage could interfere with placental attachment. Conversely, advocates of first-trimester massage believe that placental detachment could only be caused by inappropriately deep, vigorous, abdominal massage. If you are interested in receiving first-trimester massage, be sure to get your health care provider’s approval.
Other safety concerns center on the expectant mom’s health history. Gestational diabetes, history of miscarriage, clotting disorders, “high risk factors” or other conditions may be absolute or relative contraindications (that is, completely unsafe or safe within certain precautions) for massage.
Let your health care provider know that you are interested in receiving prenatal massage. He or she may have specific guidelines for your session.
Will the therapist touch my belly?
Run an internet search for pregnancy massage images and you will find photo after photo of blissfully reclined (and undraped) pregnant women receiving abdominal massage. This can be disconcerting to those who feel that their belly is the last thing they want to expose to a stranger! Be assured that, as with any area of your body, the therapist should only massage the abdomen if you choose to have it massaged. Make your preferences known before the massage (you can always change your mind during the session). When abdominal massage is requested, the pressure should be light and soothing.
As for draping, all areas except those being massaged will be covered throughout the session. For those who prefer to remain completely covered, the therapist can adjust the techniques to massage through clothing or sheets.
How will I be positioned?
A combination of factors including trimester, health precautions, individual comfort level, and your therapist’s training will determine how you are positioned. Those who choose to receive first-trimester massage may typically lie in any position, including prone (face-down), supine (face-up), or side-lying. Positioning may be modified as the pregnancy progresses. The safety of prone positioning in late second or third trimester massage is another issue of debate and should be discussed with your therapist and health care provider. Many therapists choose a combination of the side-lying position (on the side, supported by a combination of bolsters, wedges, and pillows), the semi-supine position (on the back, supported with a pillow under the right hip and abdomen to shift abdominal weight away from major blood vessels), and the semi-reclining position (semi-upright with the back at an angle to the table, supported with bolsters).
Some therapists will not use the prone position at any time throughout pregnancy. Others are not trained in side-lying techniques. If you have preferences or concerns regarding how you will be positioned, it is important to clarify these when booking the appointment.
How should I prepare and what should I expect?
Inform your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife that you are interested in receiving prenatal massage and ask if there are any contraindications or precautions. When booking your appointment, you might wish to inquire about the therapist’s prenatal massage training and experience. Now is also the time to communicate if you are in your first trimester, have any complications, or have concerns about how you will be positioned.
Upon arrival, you should be asked to complete an intake form. After reviewing your health history with you and answering any questions, the therapist will leave the room so that you may disrobe to your level of comfort. Remember that some massage techniques may be limited by clothing. Nonetheless, the therapist should be able to work with your comfort level, even if you remain fully clothed. It is a good idea to use the restroom prior to beginning your massage. However, it is not uncommon for pregnant clients to need the restroom during the session as well. The therapist should confirm that you are ready before re-entering the room and beginning the massage.
During the massage, it is important to communicate any changes you may need in technique, pressure level, room temperature, music volume, and so forth. Although very firm pressure can be beneficial to some clients, do not be swayed by the myth that massage needs to “hurt” in order to be effective. If any particular technique is causing discomfort, let your therapist know so that adjustments can be made.
After the massage, you should rise slowly from the table to avoid feeling dizzy. Your therapist might offer to stay in the room and provide assistance in getting up from the table if desired. If no assistance is requested, your therapist will leave the room so that you may get dressed. To avoid straining your neck or back, don’t be shy about asking for help with picking up handbags, tying shoelaces, or getting into your coat!