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prenatal massage during pregnancy

Prenatal Massage During Pregnancy: Key Benefits and Safety Tips for Expecting Moms

Experiencing a prenatal massage during pregnancy can offer immense relief from the discomforts that often accompany this special time. If you’ve enjoyed a professional massage before, you know how rejuvenating it can be for both mind and body. Prenatal massage is specifically customized to address the unique challenges of pregnancy, such as increased body weight and shifts in posture, which can lead to discomfort. As an expecting mom, here’s what you need to know about the benefits and safety of prenatal massage during pregnancy, ensuring both comfort and care during these transformative months.

What Is a Prenatal Massage?

It’s a massage specifically designed to suit the physical changes your body undergoes during pregnancy. Unlike a regular massage, where you might lie flat on your stomach or back, prenatal massage takes your baby bump into account to ensure your comfort and safety. Lying face-down isn’t feasible when you’re expecting, nor is lying flat on your back, as this can compress a crucial blood vessel, affecting blood flow to your baby and potentially causing nausea.

To accommodate your changing body, a skilled massage therapist will use special cushions or even tables with hollowed-out sections. This setup allows you to lie face down without any pressure on your belly or breasts. Alternatively, you might find yourself comfortably positioned on your side, supported by pillows and cushions. This careful positioning ensures that both you and your baby are safe and supported during the massage. 

How Is Massage During Pregnancy Different from Regular Massage?

Now, let’s understand how a massage for a pregnant woman differs from the massages you might be used to. Feeling relaxed after a massage isn’t just a luxury; it’s backed by science. Massages can lower stress hormones and increase the production of oxytocin, the hormone that makes you feel calm and connected, whether you’re pregnant or not.

However, a prenatal massage is specially tailored to be gentler than the typical massage you might receive. Think of it more like a Swedish massage, characterized by lighter strokes and mild kneading, rather than the deep pressure used to tackle those stubborn knots in your neck or shoulders. This gentle approach ensures that the massage is not only soothing but also safe.

Deep tissue massages are not suitable during pregnancy, as they might pose risks, such as dislodging blood clots if present. So, during a prenatal massage, don’t expect deep pressure. It’s all about gentle, nurturing touches that keep both mother and baby safe and comfortable.

Can Pregnant Women Get Massages?

When it comes to the safety of a massage for a pregnant woman, it’s generally considered fine after the first trimester, but there are some important guidelines to follow. First, always get a thumbs-up from your healthcare provider before booking a prenatal massage. This is crucial because, during the early stages of pregnancy, a massage might exacerbate symptoms like dizziness or morning sickness. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Timing: Avoid massages during the first three months. The consensus among professionals is that while there’s no direct evidence that massage triggers labour, it’s better to be safe and steer clear of any potential risks.
  2. Technique: Certain areas, particularly a point between the anklebone and heel, are typically avoided by massage therapists due to concerns they might stimulate contractions. Though concrete scientific proof is lacking, it’s best to avoid any pressure that could feel uncomfortable.
  3. Positioning: After the fourth month of pregnancy, you shouldn’t lie flat on your back during a massage. The weight of your baby might press on important blood vessels, which can interfere with blood flow to the placenta and cause issues.
  4. Pressure: While gentle pressure on the legs is considered safe and can be quite relieving, avoid deep tissue massage on your legs. Pregnant women are at a higher risk for blood clots, and deep pressure could potentially dislodge them, which is dangerous. For other parts of your body, the pressure can be adjusted to your comfort level.
  5. Expertise: Opt for a massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massages and ideally has at least 16 hours of specific training in this area. While there isn’t a formal certification, asking about their training when you make your appointment can ensure you are in knowledgeable hands.

Lastly, always double-check with your doctor before getting a prenatal massage, especially if you have conditions like diabetes, morning sickness, high blood pressure, or any symptoms like fever or abdominal pain. These conditions can make a massage more risky during pregnancy.

What Are the Benefits of Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal massages offer a fantastic array of benefits for expectant mothers. Research suggests that massage can significantly lower stress hormones, helping you feel more relaxed & at ease. It loosens tight muscles and improves circulation, which is incredibly beneficial during pregnancy as your body works harder to support both you & your growing baby. 

Moreover, massages help keep your lymphatic system running efficiently, crucial for reducing swelling and boosting your immune system. It’s also a wonderful way to reconnect with your body, making you feel more grounded and peaceful—especially on days when you feel more like a spaceship than a human! Regular prenatal massages during pregnancy can provide relief from several common discomforts:

  • Insomnia: Helping you find better sleep.
  • Joint, neck, and back pain: Easing the physical stresses in these areas.
  • Leg cramps and sciatica: Reducing muscle tension and nerve pain.
  • Swelling in hands and feet: As long as the swelling isn’t caused by preeclampsia, massage can help reduce this.
  • Carpal tunnel pain: Alleviating the tingling and numbness in your hands.
  • Headaches and sinus congestion: Providing relief from these common pregnancy complaints.

When Is a Prenatal Massage Unsafe?

While the pregnancy massage benefits are many, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before scheduling one, particularly if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Certain conditions might make prenatal massages more risky, including:

  • Preeclampsia: Due to higher risks associated with blood pressure fluctuations.
  • High blood pressure: Where increased circulation could pose risks.
  • Gestational diabetes: If associated with vascular complications.
  • Severe swelling: Especially if linked to preeclampsia.
  • History of preterm labour: As any stimulation might pose risks.
  • Other complications: That could be exacerbated by massage.

Always make sure your massage therapist is aware of your specific health conditions and pregnancy status to make sure the safest and most effective treatment.

Conclusion

Prenatal massage during pregnancy offers a wealth of benefits that cater especially to the requirements of expecting mothers. From easing common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and insomnia to enhancing blood circulation and promoting relaxation, the advantages of regular prenatal massages are considerable. However, it’s essential to approach this therapy with caution, especially if you have any health conditions or pregnancy complications. Always consult with your primary healthcare giver to make sure that prenatal massage is safe for you.
At Bridgwater Physiotherapy, our board-certified therapists are skilled in advanced massage techniques tailored to the unique requirements of pregnant women in Winnipeg and surrounding areas. We are committed to providing evidence-based, personalized massage therapy that maximizes the benefits for both mother and baby. To explore how prenatal massage can enhance your pregnancy experience, Contact Us Today!