If you are pregnant, there is a good chance that your body will be feeling worn out. You may have back pain, itchy skin, and insomnia to name just a few symptoms. One of the best ways to alleviate some of these discomforts is through pregnancy massage therapy. In this blog post, we will give you tips on how to find the right therapist for you and how to prepare for your session.
Pre-natal (Pregnancy) Massage Safety Concerns
A pregnancy massage may be a good idea when you are experiencing some of the discomforts that come from being pregnant. Before getting one, it is important to know if they are safe for your particular situation. In general, most pregnant women can receive massages without any problems as long as there aren’t complications with the pregnancy and miscarriage isn’t a concern. If there is any uncertainty, it’s best to ask your healthcare provider before proceeding.
You should seek out a therapist who is certified in prenatal massage. The work will be much gentler and you can also get advice on how to avoid the discomfort of certain positions that may put pressure on your uterus or make it hard to breathe. You want to find someone with knowledge about pregnancy-related issues, such as insomnia, kidney stones, and swelling in the pelvic region.
What can you expect during your pregnancy massage session?
A pregnancy massage will usually be covered in a sheet or towel. This is to ensure that the masseuse and you are not exposed to any bacteria that may lead to infection. You should wear something comfortable, preferably with some give so it doesn’t put too much pressure on your swollen feet or tender breasts.
The first part of the session will usually involve the masseuse putting lotion on your skin. The goal is to open up your pores and give you a relaxing experience.
The massage itself will be very gentle, focusing on areas like your back or neck where there may be some tension from carrying around an extra weight for so long. During a prenatal massage, it is important to concentrate on gentle stretches that are focused around the pelvis area. You will spend more time lying down than standing up so make sure you discuss any pain or sensitivity issues with your therapist before getting started. You may want to bring someone with you for emotional support, as some women find it easier to relax when they have a friend or partner present.
During prenatal massage sessions, expect your therapist to help you with breathing and relaxation techniques, improve your circulation, relieve stress and anxiety, and help with aches and the discomfort of pregnancy.
It is important that you tell your therapist what areas of pregnancy you would like them to focus on. This will ensure that they do not miss any important areas.
Prenatal massage is a gentle touch for pregnant moms-to-be as it helps alleviate symptoms such as back pain, leg cramps, constipation, insomnia or sleep deprivation which are common during pregnancy.
Finally, make sure that your massage therapist is certified in prenatal massage and has knowledge about pregnancy-related issues such as insomnia, kidney stones and swelling in the pelvic region!
Best Time for a Pregnancy Massage
A pregnancy massage is a great idea when you are experiencing some of the discomforts that come from being pregnant. It can be done anytime during your term and should only happen if there aren’t any complications with the pregnancy or miscarriage concerns. If anything seems uncertain, it’s best to ask your doctor before going through with one.
Pregnancy massages are a great way to alleviate pregnancy-related aches and pains. A regular massage can help with any baby-related difficulties and relieve the pressure in your back, pelvis, and limbs. A pregnant woman’s body has many changes going on within it. It’s helpful for her to get massages throughout her pregnancy because it can help with the pain, tension, swelling, and other issues that arise from being pregnant.
Is it OK to massage lower back during pregnancy?
It is always best to speak with your healthcare provider before proceeding. A licensed therapist can help you figure out the right time for a pregnancy massage and what areas are safe to work on during an appointment. They may also be able to offer advice about how to avoid discomfort in certain positions that may put pressure on your uterus or make it hard to breathe deeply.
Where should you not get a massage when pregnant?
Certain areas of your body should be avoided during a pregnancy massage, including the following:
-abdomen (area above pubic bone)
-internal organs
-breasts and nipples
Your healthcare provider will also give you guidelines on what to avoid based on any potential complications. And if anything seems uncertain or unsafe, avoid the activity.
Can you use a back massager while pregnant?
No, one should not use a back massager while pregnant. This is because, a massager is an automatic device and will not reduce intensity basis your specific needs. One should only get a message from a qualified prenatal massage therapist when pregnant.
Can you lay on your stomach for a massage while pregnant?
You can lie down on your stomach up to the second trimester. You can lay on your stomach throughout the first trimester. Provided the therapist is properly trained in pregnancy massage. Post the first trimester, it is recommended to lie on your side.
Side Lying is a good option during pregnancy, the various benefits are
- It is very comfortable
- It supports labour, and breastfeeding women can also do this.
- Lowering pressure on the inferior Vena Cava by lying on your left side helps reduce pressure
- There is no pressure on your lower back
- It is possible to treat the whole body
Why should you not massage a pregnant woman’s ankles?
One of the most common prenatal massage myths is that massaging your ankles can cause premature labor or miscarriage. This should be avoided. This claim is not supported by any evidence and could cause harm if it continues to be propagated. This belief stems from the belief that “reflex points” (or acupuncture points located near the lateral malleolus) correspond to the uterus and that massaging these points will cause miscarriage, premature labor, or even premature labor. These points are also said to induce labor by massaging them.
What do the facts tell us? There is no reason to believe that there are acupuncture meridians and reflexology points. This is a simple example: If it were easy to induce miscarriage or labor by rubbing the ankles and women didn’t have to do any medical intervention, unplanned pregnancies wouldn’t be a problem.
Although there is not much research that has been done on the effects of massaging reflex points with hands, we do have some evidence. Eighty women in Turkey (Coban 2010, 2010) found that foot massage daily reduced the edema of late-term pregnancy in the lower legs. This was in comparison to a control group. The abstract does not mention any adverse effects.
A 2013 Cochrane review examined studies that used acupuncture to induce labour. The review looked at 14 studies that included data on 2,220 women. It concluded that there were no differences in the number and outcomes of caesarean delivery between the acupuncture and usual care groups. Surprisingly the labor duration was longer for those who received acupuncture than those who received usual care. There were no statistically significant differences in the ability to induce labor. It seems unlikely that massage to these “reflex points”, acupuncture to the ankles, would stimulate labor if it did not.
On hearing this, some massage therapists will reply that they will continue to avoid the feet in case of an emergency. This irrational response could have serious consequences.
Many pregnant women feel discomfort and swelling in their feet, ankles and lower legs. They specifically request massage to relieve it. They may be hurt if they are denied. If a woman is told that ankle massage should not be performed and then has a miscarriage, it’s possible that she will later recall rubbing her ankles. She might also feel terrible guilt if she concludes that she was responsible for the miscarriage. Misinformation about massage can cause harm.
Is it safe to get a Swedish massage while pregnant?
Swedish massage is a type of bodywork that uses strokes and friction techniques. The main purpose may be to increase blood flow, circulation and relaxation.
It’s safe as long as the therapist has been trained in pregnancy massage techniques and they are not using any oils or creams with fragrances or essential oils (these could contain chemicals that are dangerous for the fetus).
In general, Swedish massage is safe as long as it’s done with light pressure and if oils or fragrances have not been used.
Some people may be more sensitive to this type of touch when they’re pregnant because of changes in their levels of natural hormones (oxytocin, progesterone, and estrogen).
If you are more sensitive to touch in general or have a history of miscarriages, speak with your doctor before getting any type of massage.
What essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy?
Essential oils with chemical components that are not safe for pregnant women include:
Phenyl ethanol (can cause allergic reactions and seizures)
Methyleugenol, methyl chavicol, eugenol or isoeugenol (both can be harmful to the fetus in high concentrations)
Linalool (may reduce blood pressure)
Methyl salicylate (may affect the fetus’s growth and can be fatal to a baby if swallowed in large quantities).
Can I get a neck massage while pregnant?
Yes, as long as the therapist has been trained in pregnancy massage techniques and they are not using any oils or creams with fragrances or essential oils (these could contain chemicals that are dangerous for the fetus).
In general, neck massages are safe as long as it’s done with light pressure.
Final Thoughts
Prenatal massage is a great way to alleviate pregnancy-related aches and pains. A regular massage can help with any baby-related difficulties and relieve the pressure in your back, pelvis, and limbs. A pregnant woman’s body has many changes going on within it. It’s helpful for her to get massages throughout her pregnancy because it can help with the pain, tension, swelling, and other issues that arise from being pregnant.
