Pregnancy (Prenatal) Massage

For many expectant mothers, pregnancy massage is an unexpected blessing. Most people don’t know about this form of massage until they need it most, during pregnancy. The benefits of pregnancy massage are numerous: it can provide relief from swelling and pain, promote an easier delivery experience, reduce stress, and provide emotional support. But if performed incorrectly, pregnancy massage can be dangerous for mother and child. Read on to learn what to expect in pregnancy massage and how to ensure a safe experience.

What happens in pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy massage uses a special massage technique to provide relaxation without harming the mother or her baby. Not all areas of the body can be massaged, and a pregnant woman cannot lie on her stomach in the customary massage position. These challenges make pregnancy massage different from most other kinds of the therapy available. Usually, the therapist will focus on the back and sides with gentle, Swedish-massage-style strokes while the woman lies on her side. After one side has been massaged, the woman flips over and gets massaged on the other side as well. Multiple pillows are placed under the woman’s body and between her legs to ensure the baby is safe and she is comfortable. Sometimes, spas will be equipped with special massage tables that have a hole cut out in the middle. The woman’s belly can fit in this cut-out area so that she can lie on her stomach. This option is comfortable for some people, but it can put unnecessary strain on the lower back. Most pregnant women enjoy the side position with pillows better. Most spas require patrons to be nude during a pregnancy massage, although you are allowed to remain in your underwear if you prefer. Like in all massage styles, pregnancy massage uses draping techniques; you be covered with a sheet for the duration of the treatment and only the part of the body being massaged will be exposed.

Choosing a therapist

There’s a lot of variation in pregnancy massage depending on who performs the treatment and where it is done. But although there are many acceptable styles of pregnancy massage, there are also many things that should not be included in the treatment. Massaging the belly, deep-tissue techniques, and incorrect poses can be harmful to the baby and mother. The best way to ensure you have a good, safe experience is to work with a knowledgeable therapist. Not all massage therapists know about pregnancy massage, so you have to choose wisely and check to make sure your masseur is well trained. Certifications are available in pregnancy massage; check to see if your therapist is certified. If she is, this means she’s undergone extensive training and will be able to give you a safe, therapeutic treatment. Just because a spa lists pregnancy massage on its menu does not mean its staff is certified! Always ask about credentials, even at upscale establishments. Also, look for people who perform pregnancy massages often; even if a therapist is trained in the technique, he or she could still lack experience.

What to look out for

A good therapist should perform your pregnancy massage safely. But it’s still a good idea to know what shouldn’t happen during any pregnancy treatment, just in case. No belly rubs: The therapist might lightly touch your stomach, but you shouldn’t receive any intense pressure. Pressure that’s too forceful could harm the fetus and even lead to miscarriage. No positions with weight on your belly: You should be placed comfortably on your side with pillows padding your pregnant stomach. Under no circumstances should you put weight on your belly. No deep-tissue massage: Deep-tissue techniques are too rough for expectant mothers. The toxins released into your body can harm the baby. No first-trimester massages: Most professionals agree that women shouldn’t receive massages during their first months of pregnancy because of the risk of miscarriage.

What you get out of it

When performed correctly, pregnancy massage brings plentiful benefits to expectant mothers. Regular massages during the second and third trimesters can even reduce labor pain! Also, prenatal massage provides excellent relief for the muscle soreness that often accompanies pregnancy. Many mothers choose to treat minor aches and pains with massage rather than medication because no chemicals are involved. Frequent massages also improve circulation and jumpstart the lymphatic system, both of which can reduce swelling and remove toxins from the body. Many mothers experience an improvement in emotions after a massage too. It could be that the human touch experienced during the treatment helps life their spirits. The sense of calm that accompanies a massage is also a bonus.

Take-away tips

Pregnancy massage is a safe way to provide relief for minor aches and pains experienced when carrying a child. Always check the credentials of the therapist performing your massage! Not all therapists are trained in safe pregnancy massage techniques. For your massage, you should either be placed on your side with pillows for support or lie down on a table with a cut out for your belly. Never lie in a position that puts pressure on your stomach!