Pregnancy is a transformative experience, but it often comes with physical discomforts such as lower back pain, swollen feet, and headaches. While many may comment on the “pregnancy glow,” the reality of weight gain and hormonal changes can sometimes leave expectant mothers feeling miserable. Fortunately, prenatal massage offers a safe and effective way to alleviate these aches and pains, providing both physical and emotional support during this unique time.
Can Pregnant Women Get Massages?
Yes, pregnant women can and should get massages. Prenatal massages offer numerous benefits to the mother's changing body, serving as a great way to connect with herself during a period of significant change. These massages provide quiet time for relaxation, which can make a substantial difference in her mental state.
It's worth noting that some advise pregnant women to avoid massages until after their first trimester due to potential dizziness and morning sickness triggers. However, therapists experienced in prenatal work can safely provide first-trimester massages, offering comfort and relief from the earliest stages of pregnancy.
Main Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Besides relaxation and self-care, prenatal massage offers real medical benefits, making it an invaluable part of a holistic approach to pregnancy wellness.
Relief From Nerve Pain
Many women experience sciatic nerve pain in later pregnancy due to the uterus resting on the muscles of the lower back and pelvic floor. The growing pressure spreads tension to the leg muscles, causing them to swell and put pressure on the surrounding nerves. Prenatal massage calms these inflamed nerves by releasing tension in the muscles, providing relief from the associated pain.
Read also: Risks of Prenatal Massage
Reduction of Swelling
Swelling during pregnancy results from increased pressure on major blood vessels, the body holding more water than usual, and hormone-induced softening of vein walls. Prenatal massage stimulates soft tissues, helping to reduce fluid collection in swollen joints. This stimulation also allows the body’s lymphatic system to flush out tissue waste more efficiently.
Hormone Regulation
During pregnancy, hormones work overtime to grow the baby and prepare the body for birth. They can affect the circulatory system and soften ligaments and joints, leading to discomfort. Massage and gentle pressure can help with the pain from joint softening and regulate hormone levels. Massage therapy is a powerful tool in battling anxiety and depression, including among new parents.
Areas to Avoid Massaging During Pregnancy
While a highly trained pregnancy massage therapist may safely massage any part of the body, some areas are generally considered best to avoid, or to approach with extra caution.
The Belly
Direct pressure on the growing belly could make the mother uncomfortable. However, lightly rubbing lotions or oils, such as stretch mark cream, onto the belly is generally fine.
The Legs
Due to the increased blood volume during pregnancy, blood flow in the legs can slow, making women prone to clots. Deep tissue massage on the legs is not recommended, as it could dislodge a clot and send it to the heart, brain, or lungs. Gentle techniques like Swedish massage, which involves gliding and kneading the skin, are more appropriate.
Read also: Summit Chiropractic: Holistic wellness solutions.
Pressure Points
It is generally advised to avoid acupressure or reflexology during prenatal massage, as some believe that pushing on certain pressure points can cause early labor. However, there is evidence that massaging these pressure points during labor may decrease the length and pain of the birthing process.
Dos and Don'ts of Getting a Massage While Pregnant
While prenatal massage offers many benefits, caution is still necessary. Here are some guidelines to ensure safety:
Avoid Prenatal Massage If You Have Certain Medical Conditions
Always check with a doctor before starting a pregnancy massage regimen. Doctors may advise against massage for women with spotting, preeclampsia, high blood pressure, blood clots or a clotting disorder, gestational diabetes, placental issues such as placenta previa, or risk of preterm labor. It is also important to inform the massage therapist of any such conditions experienced during previous pregnancies.
Don't Lie Flat on Your Back During a Massage After the Fourth Month of Pregnancy
After the fourth month, lying on the back can put pressure on blood vessels from the weight of the baby and uterus, restricting blood flow, causing blood pressure to drop, and decreasing circulation to the placenta. It is recommended to lie on the side with pillows for support to reduce pressure on organs and blood vessels in the abdomen.
Don't Get a Massage When You Are Pregnant If You’re High-Risk
If there is a high risk of miscarriage or other complications, it may be best to avoid prenatal massages, as the benefits may not outweigh the risks.
Read also: Benefits of Foot Massage in Pleasanton
Do Get Your Prenatal Massage From a Highly Trained Professional
Ensure that the massage therapist has been properly trained in prenatal techniques and practices. A trained professional will know how to keep the mother comfortable, which approaches will help most with current symptoms, and which essential oils are not recommended for pregnancy massage.
Postnatal Massage
Post-natal massage can help the body restore and fully recover, promoting feelings of comfort, relaxation, and well-being. It can also help with pain in the hips, low back, shoulders, neck, and wrists, often experienced by new parents.
Massage therapy is a powerful tool in battling anxiety and depression, including among new parents. Massage has also been shown to increase prolactin, a hormone important to milk production.
In the first couple of weeks after birth, the side-lying position can keep new caregivers comfortable on the table. Uterine massage is beneficial, as pressure on the uterus helps close the wound left by the delivery of the placenta.
Those who delivered by C-section can still receive massage, but must be cleared by their doctors first. Postnatal massage contraindications include eczema, rash, high blood pressure, and other conditions that limit massage for the general population.
Integrating Prenatal Massage into Overall Pregnancy Wellness
Prenatal massage works beautifully alongside other modalities like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and pelvic floor therapy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system and ease morning sickness. It also supports better sleep and energy flow. Acupuncture points and techniques are adjusted during pregnancy to avoid areas that are contraindicated.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care, especially when combined with the Webster Technique, is gentle and focuses on pelvic balance. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can ease pressure, offer support for the rapidly changing spine, and help prepare the body for a smoother labor and birth.
Finding a Qualified Therapist in Portland
Portland offers numerous qualified massage therapists specializing in prenatal massage. It is important to research and choose a therapist with extensive training and experience in prenatal techniques to ensure a safe and beneficial experience.