What Is Prenatal Massage?
What Is Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage is a type that's similar to regular massage – it aims to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good. Prenatal massage is also customized to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies, and therapists trained in prenatal massage adjust their techniques accordingly.
Carrying a baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders.
Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, meaning your pelvic joints are less stable, and it also changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Adding to that the extra weight you're carrying and you may end up with an aching lower back. A trained prenatal massage therapist knows where a pregnant woman's sore and swollen spots are likely to be and may be able to provide some relief. They also know which techniques and areas to avoid.
What are the benefits of massage during pregnancy?
What are the benefits of massage during pregnancy?
- Research on the therapeutic benefits of massage for pregnant women is limited, but small studies suggest that prenatal massage may:
- Improve mood and lower stress levels
- Reduce prenatal depression and anxiety
- Lower the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in infants of women with prenatal depression
- Reduce swelling in the legs (after foot massage)
- Getting a pregnancy massage can also put you in a more relaxed state of mind to help you cope with all the big changes that are going on in your life.
When is a prenatal massage unsafe?
When is a prenatal massage unsafe?
- Before 12 weeks (unless approved by your doctor)
- You have a blood clot or a bone fracture.
- You have a skin injury or condition that could be aggravated by rubbing. These include burns, open wounds, or skin infections.
How do I lie on the massage table when I'm pregnant?
How do I lie on the massage table when I'm pregnant?
- Right from the start of pregnancy, it may be uncomfortable to lie face down because of your tender, swollen breasts. And you can't lie face down on a traditional massage table once your belly has started to grow.
- You can lie on your side with pillows or wedges.
- We offer special pad with hollowed but supported areas and pillows to accommodate your belly and breasts, so you can lie face down.
- If lying face down on a special pregnancy massage pillow stresses your lower back, try lying on your side or ask your therapist to help you find a comfortable position.
And remember that it's not a good idea to lie flat on your back, especially once you're past mid pregnancy, because the weight of your uterus puts too much pressure on the vein that returns blood from your legs to your heart.