A prenatal massage is a form of therapeutic bodywork specifically tailored to the needs of a pregnant woman. It can help to reduce stress, relieve aches and pains, and promote overall wellness.
When administered by a licensed and experienced massage therapist, prenatal massage is safe for both mother and baby.
Prenatal massage can help you relax and relieve some of the aches and pains of pregnancy. Additionally, it might lessen swelling, uplift the spirit, and ease certain pregnant melancholy and anxiety.
Find a massage therapist with prenatal massage training, and seek your doctor’s approval before getting a pregnancy massage.
They’ll be aware of the methods to employ and the zones to stay away from.
What Is A Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage therapy is a type of therapeutic massage comparable to regular massage. It works to soothe sore places, ease tense muscles, enhance circulation, increase mobility, and make you feel wonderful.
But prenatal massage is also specifically tailored to pregnant women’s requirements and changing bodies, and practitioners who have received training in prenatal massage modify their techniques following this.
Having a baby changes your center of gravity, which puts a lot of strain on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders.
Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, making your pelvic joints less stable. It also alters your posture, which pushes your pelvis forward.
You might get lower back pain if you combine these factors with your additional weight.
A certified prenatal massage therapist is aware of the typical locations of a pregnant woman’s uncomfortable and swollen regions and may be able to offer some assistance.
They will also be aware of the methods and locations to avoid.
When To Schedule Prenatal Massage?
As long as your doctor or midwife gives the go-ahead, prenatal massages are safe to get at any stage of pregnancy.
Due to the higher chance of miscarriage in the first trimester, some massage therapists won’t see pregnant clients until the second trimester.
However, there is no proof or reason to think that prenatal massage during the first trimester increases your chance of miscarriage.
When Is Prenatal Massage Dangerous?
Prenatal massage therapy effects could be dangerous in a few situations, such as:
- You either have a bone fracture or blood clots
- You might make your skin injury or condition worse by rubbing. These might include eczema, skin infections, open wounds, or burns.
- Massage oils cause an allergic reaction in you.
The Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage benefits have proven to have numerous benefits for expectant mothers and their babies.
Research on the therapeutic benefits of massage for pregnant women is limited. Still, small studies suggest that prenatal massage may help with pregnancy depression and anxiety and lowers the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in infants of women with prenatal depression.
Reduced Stress Levels
Prenatal massage can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels in expectant mothers. This can lead to improved pregnancy outcomes, including a decreased risk of preterm labor.
Some depressed pregnant women have also found prenatal massage to be helpful.
Improved Circulation
Massage therapy can help to improve circulation and increase blood flow to the uterus. This can improve the health of the placenta and lead to a decrease in the risk of pregnancy complications.