Pregnancy can be a wonderful time, but it can also be a time of great stress. Massage is a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is also safe for pregnant women when performed by a qualified therapist. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of massage for pregnant women, as well as the different types of massages that are available. We will also provide safety tips for those who are considering massage during pregnancy.
Pregnancy can be a difficult time for anyone, but it's even harder when you're feeling pain in your body. Massage is the key to alleviating that suffering, but what is prenatal massage?
Prenatal massages are adapted for the anatomical changes you go through during pregnancy. In a traditional massage, you might spend half the time lying face-down on your stomach (which is not possible with a baby belly) and half the time facing up (a position that puts pressure on a major blood vessel that can disrupt blood flow to your baby and leave you feeling nauseous).
But as your shape and posture changes, a trained massage therapist will make accommodations with special cushioning systems or holes that allow you to lie face down safely, while providing room for your growing belly and breasts. Or you might lie on your side with the support of pillows and cushions.
Massaging pregnant women is generally considered safe as long as they get approval from their medical practitioner and let the massage therapist know that he or she is expecting. You should avoid massages during the first three months of pregnancy due to possible dizziness, but other than that there isn't much risk involved with getting regular relaxation treatments throughout your nine-month term!
While there are some myths about what will happen if you get a massage while pregnant, the reality is that it's not all either good or bad. Massages may trigger contractions in some people but no evidence shows they can actually speed up labor by themselves, so this should be an option for those who want relaxation without any risks attached.
A prenatal massage is a type of massage that is specifically designed for pregnant women. It can help to relieve the aches and pains associated with pregnancy, as well as improve circulation and promote relaxation. Your prenatal massage allows you to focus on the changes happening in your body right now. The purpose of this relaxing treatment is not only physical, but also mental and emotional well-being for the motherhood ahead!
There are many different types of massages, but not all are appropriate for pregnant women. Swedish massage, which is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes and kneading to relax muscles, is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Deep tissue massage, which uses more pressure and may be uncomfortable for some people, should be avoided during pregnancy.
A Swedish massage is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes and kneading to relax muscles. This type of massage is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Swedish massage may help to:
- Relieve muscle aches and joint pain
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Promote relaxation
- Improve sleep quality
Be sure to tell your massage therapist if you are pregnant, as they will need to adjust their technique accordingly. It is also important to drink plenty of water before and after your massage to stay hydrated.
Massage is a great way to reduce stress hormones and relax your muscles. Plus, it can increase blood flow, which helps with pregnancy symptoms as well as keeping the lymphatic system working at peak efficiency! The physical contact reconnects you mindfully to connect with yourself. No wonder it has been seen time to time, that people who receive this treatment report feeling calmer than before they began receiving care from professionals.
It's important not just when pregnant but also during any stressful period in life, because stronger connections between our minds (and bodies) lead us towards greater self-awareness.
During pregnancy, regular prenatal massages may not only help you relax but may also relieve:
Consider waiting until your second trimester
This is because of the higher risk of miscarriage in the first trimester. No scientific links have been made between massages and miscarriages, but some professionals worry about the increased blood flow and sensitive points in your body that may trigger labor.
If you're experiencing any of the following conditions, you should avoid getting a massage:
Use safe pregnancy positions
Not long into pregnancy, your body will start to change in visible ways. Your baby bump is one of the most obvious changes, along with a pronounced curve in the spine and possible breast swelling.
All of these together make the traditional massage position, lying face down, uncomfortable, and unsafe. It can cause undue stress on your back, pelvis, and uterus, Flattened breasts against the massage table can also be quite painful.
There are other positions that can be used during the pregnancy massage, however. Side-lying is the most common position for pregnant women. You can also lie on your back with a pillow under your knees or sit in a reclined position in a special chair designed for massage.
Avoid deeper pressure on the Legs if varicose veins are present
Pregnant women have an increased risk of developing blood clots, especially in their legs and pelvis. If they get stuck during a massage session this could lead to pulmonary embolisms-life threatening occurrences where the clot travels through your lungs blocking one essential artery found there.
Here are the steps you should take for a DIY massage.
Firstly, get a pillow to support your stomach. This applies to any position. There are two commonly used positions for massage during pregnancy: Sitting and lying on your side.
When sitting, face the wall or the back of a chair with a pillow placed on your stomach for support.
When lying sideways, use a pillow to support the stomach so that the position remains comfortable and safe.
Now your partner can start massaging! Again, remember to use light movements in safe areas.
Be especially careful around the abdomen. Soothe the body with light strokes so that your baby can feel the massage. A prenatal massage is simple! It generally takes between 5-10 minutes and can improve your and your baby’s health.
The third step is to use prenatal massage oil to help make the massage softer, gentler, and more relaxing. In addition, using massage oil makes the skin’s surface more slippery, allowing you to control pressure better. Make sure to choose massage oils that are safe for pregnancy, as not all essential oils are safe for pregnant women.
A gentle reminder, Prenatal massage definitely isn’t a “don’t try this at home” activity. But to some, it can be quite challenging. So, it’s important to understand the limits of prenatal massage, especially when you’re trying it at home.
Mothers are the models for their kids, but they can't neglect themselves. Now that you know about pregnancy massages and why they're so great during this time in your life, we want all mommies to be safe and happy!
Since we have covered the importance of pregnancy massage, safety, and benefits, does this sound like something you want to try?
It takes a lot of energy for your body to adjust to the baby’s growth while also functioning on a daily basis. We understand that you are on this journey full of new adventures, transformations, and challenges. However, you don’t have to do it all on your own.
Your first step would be to consult with your doctor and get the green light to go ahead and schedule an appointment.
A prenatal massage will help you tend to all areas of the body that call out for attention and nurture during the most critical times. Give us a call today at (808) 200-4611 to schedule an appointment or fill out a form online, and someone will get back to you within 24 hours.
