Most of us know that massage is great for improving general health and reducing stress. Massage during pregnancy often receives ambivalent responses regarding its safety. We know now, however, through medical research, that prenatal massage can be an integral part of prenatal care. Read on to find out about massage during pregnancy: what you need to know.
What do I need to take into consideration?
Some institutions teach pregnancy massage in their remedial diplomas. It is however, best to ensure your massage therapist is certified in prenatal massage.
Be sure to tell your massage therapist about any concerns you’ve had during the pregnancy including common things like reflux, headaches, aches and pains. Or more serious things like blood pressure abnormalities, gestational diabetes, or edema.
The benefits of massage
Massage during pregnancy can reduce anxiety; decrease symptoms of depression; relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Swedish massage aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation.
Swedish Massage is the recommended prenatal massage. It addresses many common discomforts associated with pregnancy.
Massage can assist with hormone regulation, including reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. It can also increase dopamine and serotonin, reducing the risk of postnatal depression.
Massage can ease swelling of the joints associated with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or general edema.
Sciatic nerve pain is quite common during pregnancy. Especially during the later weeks when the baby is growing and sitting low into the pelvis. Massage can ease the muscle pain and tension around the sciatic nerve.
Is massage safe during my first trimester?
In short, yes it is.
Throughout the pregnancy there are several contraindications for massage but the stage of pregnancy is not one of them. Some may refuse massage in the first trimester, simply because of the increased risk of miscarriage at that time. Massage cannot cause miscarriage.1
Can I use muscle balms and heat creams during pregnancy?
It is quite normal to have aches and pains throughout the pregnancy. Mostly caused by muscle tension but unfortunately many muscle balms and heat creams are not safe to use.
Many contain ingredients such as chemicals or essential oils that may permeate the placental membrane. In turn effecting cell development of the foetus.
What about deep tissue massage?
Some areas of the body are contraindicated for deep tissue massage during pregnancy. Typically areas where the baby is not protected like the abdomen. Also the legs to avoid moving blood clots that may have formed during pregnancy.
What happens in my massage?
Early in the pregnancy if you are still comfortable you may lie on your stomach. Otherwise you will be positioned on your side.
The massage therapist will work one side of the body and leg, then have you roll to your other side. The massage therapist may finish with you on your back. Make sure you are tilted to the left, so the baby is not lying directly over the main artery to the brain. This could cause light-headedness or fainting.
Some massage therapist may have a pregnancy pillow that will allow you to lie face down during the massage.
Please ensure that if at any time you are feeling unwell or uncomfortable for any reason, to speak up. No massage therapist will want you to be uncomfortable during your massage.
The one most invaluable benefit of having massage during pregnancy is maintaining that connection between mother and baby.
