Prenatal Massage
Healing Touch for Expectant Moms
You’re expecting? Congratulations! Over the next nine months, you are going to experience enormous changes in your body that will greatly affect your posture, muscles and joints. As your baby grows, your skeletal structure will be asked to support an increasing amount of weight, your organs will shift to accommodate your growing little one, and you will go through significant emotional and psychological changes. The good news is that massage therapy can help.
How Can Prenatal Massage Help Me?
When performed by a trained prenatal massage therapist, massage therapy can improve the overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. A prenatal massage can help to minimize body stress, promote relaxation, increase circulation and relieve any aches and pains that may arise during the course of a healthy pregnancy. A massage therapist with prenatal training knows how to manipulate the key muscles that are most affected by pregnancy to help alleviate physical discomfort and provide relaxation to ease the emotions as well. Massage therapy can help alleviate the stress and tension of pregnancy, especially as it presents in the lower back, feet and neck.
There are many benefits of receiving prenatal massage during your pregnancy. Studies have shown that prenatal massage can:
- Relieve muscle discomfort such as cramping, tightening, stiffness and knots
- Relieve stress on weight-bearing joints such as lower back, pelvis and ankles
- Alleviate neck, shoulder and back pain caused by muscle imbalance
- Relieve depression, anxiety and nervousness caused by hormonal changes
- Increase blood and lymph circulation (which helps to reduce swelling and can improve the oxygen supply to your baby)
- Reduce pain and encourage relaxation, which can facilitate an easier labor.
- Improve muscle and skin tone
- Promote relaxation and relieve insomnia
- Provide emotional support through nurturing touch
What Should I Expect From a Prenatal Massage?
When you arrive for your first prenatal massage, your massage therapist will ask you to fill out an intake and health history form to help her understand where your discomforts are and any conditions you may be having. When you fill out your paperwork, and also when you speak with your massage therapist, communication is key. Even though a prenatal massage therapist is trained to determine where a pregnant woman is sore, it is always good to communicate with her and tell her where you need attention. Also, inform her if you become uncomfortable at any time during the massage. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Your comfort is of the utmost importance.
During your massage, you will most likely be positioned on your side with supportive pillows, as lying flat on your back is contraindicated during pregnancy. If you have had massages before, you will notice that during a prenatal massage, certain pressure points on your back, hands and ankles/feet are excluded from vigorous contact. This is because these areas are said to have a special energetic relationship with the cervix and uterus, and it is thought that heavy pressure on them could promote early labor. They are therefore considered to be contraindicated during the term of a healthy pregnancy. A massage therapist who is trained in prenatal massage knows this and will work only in those areas that are considered to be safe and effective for you.
How Often Should I Get a Prenatal Massage?
It is recommended that expectant mothers receive a prenatal massage every two weeks or once a month during the second trimester. In the third trimester, depending on your level of physical discomfort, you may want to increase the frequency of your sessions to help your muscles stay relaxed and help you to be more comfortable. Since low back and hip discomfort tends to kick in toward the end of your pregnancy prenatal massage will help release tense muscles, helping them become healthy, relaxed and rested.
Are There Any Precautions or Contraindications for Prenatal Massage?
Massage may be contraindicated if you have or may be at risk of having a high risk pregnancy, PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension), Preeclampsia, previous pre-term labor, HBP swelling and/or sudden severe headaches. If any of these apply, it is best to get the approval of your Ob/Gyn before scheduling a prenatal massage. Also, communicate with your massage therapist if you have had any prior complications with pregnancy, or have heavy discharge (watery or bloody), diabetes, a contagious illness or fever, have been vomiting, are having unusual pain, morning sickness, abdominal pain, diarrhea or any malignant condition.
It is recommended that expectant mothers wait until they are beyond their 12th week of pregnancy to schedule their first prenatal massage. If you have any questions or concerns, your Ob/Gyn or primary care physician can advise you if prenatal massage therapy is right for you.
Finally, before scheduling a prenatal massage, ensure your massage therapist has received the proper training. From positioning through technique, prenatal massage can differ dramatically from a standard massage. A massage therapist who is trained in prenatal massage will be able to provide a comfortable, safe, and effective massage for you to help enhance your journey as a mom-to-be.
