Prenatal Massage During Pregnancy
Let’s be honest about pregnancy- while we all can relish in the beauty of another human being brought to life, society tends to be dismissive about everything a mother may experience within her mind and body during this time. During pregnancy, your body goes through a multitude of major changes. To list just a few:
hormones like estrogen and progesterone surge
increased blood volume
internal organs shift to create space for expanded uterus
pain in back, pelvis, breasts, etc.
dysregulated emotions
body’s center of gravity changes
pelvic joints weaken
These changes (plus MANY more that were not mentioned) are not for the faint of heart! Many women can massively benefit from working with a massage therapist to provide extra support and help you alleviate any discomfort.
What is a prenatal massage?
A prenatal massage is a form of massage for expecting mothers focused on relieving physical pain and promoting a healthy pregnancy. Each prenatal massage is customized to the individual’s needs as the body fluctuates and changes throughout pregnancy. In a normal massage setting, the individual spends half the time laying on their front side and the other half is spent laying on their back. This positioning does not work well for a pregnant woman- the individual cannot lay flat on their back as this can put pressure on the inferior vena cava (major vein that carries blood to the heart) as well as the aorta (main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body). Face down also puts unnecessary pressure on baby as well as mom’s organs.
So what can one expect from a massage during pregnancy? A massage therapist who is trained in prenatal massage will utilize special cushions to safely prop the woman up on her side or face down with pillows properly supporting the belly. The therapist will discuss the individual’s specific needs and concerns to tailor the experience and better accommodate to mom’s level of comfort. For a prenatal massage, the therapist typically uses long strokes, light pressure, and avoids the abdomen.
What are the benefits?
There are TONS of benefits to getting a prenatal massage. Working under a massage therapist’s expertise can ease tension and bring relief in ways that you never even thought possible during pregnancy! These can include:
increased circulation
improved mobility
lowered stress- mentally as well as physical stress on weight-bearing joints
reduced swelling
release of endorphins and stabilized hormones
improved posture
regulated blood pressure
all-natural and drug-free form of pain relief
better sleep and reduced fatigue
Is it safe?
Many moms express concern about the safety of a prenatal massage, but not to worry! Massage during pregnancy (done by a properly trained practitioner) is completely safe. Physicians generally recommend for mothers to start prenatal massages after their first trimester (massage during first three months may cause dizziness) and they may continue up until their due date. There are a lot of myths circulating about massage disrupting pregnancies, but scientific evidence supports the opposite, mostly noting that it can bring respite from uncomfortable symptoms. Therapists are specially trained in how to properly position and support the body during this massage, as well as what pressure points to avoid. As always, (especially if you have a high risk pregnancy or any concerns) please consult with your healthcare provider beforehand.