A pregnancy or prenatal massage is given to pregnant women. It is similar to a normal, full-body massage but with a few changes made for your and your baby’s safety. Massaging helps reduce the pregnancy pains and discomfort several women face when they gain weight. Several pregnant women opt for a pregnancy massage to relieve sore and achy muscles. Besides, it helps relax and calm your mind and body before the baby’s arrival.
Read this post as we tell you about the safety of getting a massage during pregnancy, the right techniques to follow, and the safety precautions you should take to effectively reap the benefits of a prenatal massage.
Is Prenatal Massage Safe During Pregnancy?
Some mothers may prefer to have pre-natal massages in the second or third trimester or even during labor to help cope with labor pain, but not in the first trimester due to the higher incidence of miscarriages and greater incidence of nausea in the first three months.
In the later stages of pregnancy, some trigger points and techniques may lead to contractions and cause premature labor. Only have pre-natal massage if none of the contra-indications or risk factors apply.
Benefits Of Prenatal Massage During Pregnancy
Prenatal massage is believed to provide relaxation and a sense of wellness. It is known to be effective in decreasing depression, anxiety, back and leg pain. A few other benefits are:
1. Improves Sleep: In a study, 26 pregnant women participated in either massage therapy or relaxation therapy for five weeks. The massage therapy group reported better sleep when compared to the relaxation therapy group.
2. Relieves Low Back Pain: Shifting of the center of gravity and the relaxed ligaments and sciatica might result in lower back pain. A prenatal massage could help reduce pain.
3. Relieves Stress: Pregnancy can be a stressful time for most women. According to the University of Minnesota Health Specialists, prenatal massage therapy can reduce cortisol levels, thereby reducing any stress during pregnancy.
4. Relieves Headaches: During pregnancy, women might have migraine headaches because of the hormonal shifts and other reasons such as dehydration. Massage therapy can significantly calm the trigger points and relieve headaches.
5. Stabilizes Hormones: Research reveals that prenatal massage could also activate the feel-good hormones (serotonin and dopamine) and improve your mood.
6. Reduces Swelling: Increased pressure on the blood vessels might result in edema or swelling of the joints. A massage could bring down the swelling by stimulating the soft tissues to lower fluid collection in the swollen joints.
7. Lowers Risk of Premature Labor: In a research study, pregnant women diagnosed with depression were given massage therapy. It not just helped with reducing depression but also reduced the chances of premature and low birthweight babies.
8. Improves Labor Outcomes: According to the findings stated in the Expert Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women who received prenatal massage had less pain and went through shorter labor with little need for medication.
9. Eases Heartburn: A light abdominal massage loosens the myofascial tissues, relaxes the nervous system, and relieves pressure in the stomach.
Massage might relieve some pains and relax your body and mind, but as it involves putting pressure on some points, could there be any risks?
Side Effects Of Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage might have some side effects.
- If you are having nausea and dizziness, then a massage might aggravate them, especially in the first trimester.
- While some people believe that prenatal massage in the first trimester could result in miscarriage, there isn’t enough evidence to substantiate it.
Note that you need to get the massage done by a certified massage therapist or licensed massage therapist, who has experience in prenatal massage.
How Is Prenatal Massage Different From A Typical Massage?
Prenatal massage differs from a general massage in terms of the pressure points that are stimulated by the masseuse. A general massage therapy session is modified in the following ways to make it safer and comfortable for pregnant women:
- In addition to the back, the abdomen may be gently massaged to increase the moisture and elasticity of the abdominal skin to reduce stretch marks.
- Abdomen and pressure points along the ankle, foot, and sacrum are not used as they cause contractions or induce labor.
- Essential oils such as clary sage, rosemary, and cinnamon that are considered unsuitable during pregnancy are avoided.
- Deep tissue pressure is not applied so as not to harm your baby
- Swedish massage style is practiced using pillows, bolsters, and other supporting accessories to provide you comfort. It uses long strokes to the tight muscles and focuses on joint mobility.
A good pregnancy massage is customized to your preferences and the specific requirements of your body. Keep reading to find out how it works.
What Happens During A Prenatal Massage?
Here is what you can expect to happen during a prenatal massage. During second and third trimester, you cannot lie flat on your back for a massage due to enlarged abdomen and pressure on your breathing, as you approach full term. At this time it is easier to iel on your side well supported with cushions under your belly and between your legs.
- Your massage therapist usually begins with the neck, shoulders, head, and move down the arms and legs.
- You might be asked to roll onto one side, a position that you can stay in with the help of support pillows. In this position, you will be spending about two-thirds of the total time.
- The complete massage usually lasts for 60 minutes, but sometimes it can go up to 90 minutes.
When Should You Avoid A Prenatal Massage?
Avoid getting a if you have any back injuries, such as fracture, strain, fused vertabrae, which requires medical attention. You should also avoid a massage if:
- Your pregnancy falls under the high-risk category
- You have an irritable uterus or any signs of premature labor
- You have allergic reactions to the massage oils You have pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia
- You have a bone fracture or a blood clot
- You have a skin condition or injury such as open wounds, burns, eczema, or any other skin infection
- Getting a massage makes you feel lightheaded, sick or gives you a headache
- You feel the massage is too vigorous. In this case, communicate with the masseur to be gentle
Can You Try Prenatal Massage At Home?
You may ask your partner or any other family member to do the massage. You may check some online videos or pick an instructional manual on prenatal massage. It may not be as thorough as a professional massage but will help you relax. However, it cannot be done on the sensitive parts, and the person massaging you should be careful not to put any unnecessary pressure. You may also try this five-minute fix for yourself:
Choose a quiet place at home. Sit down and close your eyes. Gently roll your head in every direction, and then circularly massage your temples. Take deep breaths as you do it. Next, rest on your back and stretch your arms over the head. Get the arms to your sides and continue to breathe deeply.
Pregnancy massage takes about an hour or so. If done the right way, you will feel rejuvenated and relaxed after the session. However, check with your healthcare provider before getting massages done.
You Might Also Like:
Image Credit: freepik
