Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal Massage Increases Comfort During Pregnancy
Pregnancy massage, also called prenatal massage, is a good way to relieve some of the aches and pains experienced during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is hard on a woman's body. The added weight and relaxing of the ligaments that occur during pregnancy is stressful on the joints, especially the pelvis. Carrying the baby causes the pelvis to tilt. This puts pressure on the lower back. There is also a lot of stress put on the neck, shoulders and upper back.
Getting massaged during pregnancy can:
decrease symptoms of depression
reduce anxiety
relieve muscle aches
lessen joint pains
regulate hormones
reduce swelling
improve labor outcomes
improve newborn health
Pregnancy massage can also relieve nerve pain. Sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome sometimes occur during pregnancy.
When you see a massage therapist make sure you see someone who is certified in prenatal massage. That means that the therapist will have taken special classes about massaging pregnant women. This is necessary because there are areas of the body that should be avoided during a prenatal massage.
Pillows and cushions are used during the massage to make you comfortable on the massage table. The safest position for you to be worked on is lying on your side. Massage tables with a hole cut in them for your belly to dangle down should be avoided. You should ask the therapist on the phone how you'll be positioned during the massage.
If you have any of the following conditions you shouldn't receive prenatal massage:
high risk pregnancy
pregnancy induced high blood pressure
severe swelling
severe and sudden headaches
preesclampsia
Deep tissue massage is not appropriate to use on pregnant women. Massage should usually be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.
