Massage And Pregnancy

Most women may think of massage as a luxurious spa that canonly be enjoyed by people that need pampering. But massage can also be experienced by pregnant women because they also need relaxation. Going to spas and getting a massage is one precious thing a woman can enjoy but this can be interrupted for some reason like no regular therapists wanted to touch you because they are scared to harm you and your baby. You might also worry that having a massage may affect your baby.

Pregnancy Massage

Massage And Pregnancy

Touch is essential to the pregnant woman’s physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to the changes in her body. Pregnancy massage can help and as well as it can benefit both the mother and the baby. But before going into a spa for a massage, there are few things that need to be considered and this article will help you.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is also called prenatal massage and if done in the few months after giving birth is called postnatal massage.

A pregnancy massage usually lasts an hour. Most therapists use a pregnancy massage table. It is specially designed to contain a woman’s pregnant belly. Others use specially designed pillows called bolsters to position a woman comfortably on her side. Lying on your side is often the most comfortable position for pregnancy massage. This procedure really helps in providing comfort to pregnant women.

Stages of Pregnancy and Pregnancy Massage

First trimester: 1st day of the last period – 14 weeks of pregnancy
Many massage therapists do not recommend massage in the first trimester. Women are at a higher risk for miscarriage during this time. Avoid abdominal massage; no reflex massage; no passive ROM if nauseated. Do massage to assist circulation;
Procedure: Centered on postural alignment; pelvic, diaphragm, rib cage, low back.

Learn relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises, and kegel exercises.

Second trimester: 14-28 weeks
Women have less risk of a miscarriage during this time.
Procedure: Centered on increasing breathing capacity, releasing abdominal attachments at lower rib cage; releasing intercostals. Watch for low back and upper back problems related with changes in center of gravity. Continue to learn relaxation breathing techniques. Work on adductors, hamstrings and rotators.

Third trimester: 28-40 weeks
Women have much lower risk of a miscarriage during this time.
Procedure: Work on adductors, legs, hips, low back. Decrease edema. Increase relaxation.

Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy

  • Massage during pregnancy just plain feels good; there are many other benefits for the mum-to-be and her baby, too.
  • Massage is very beneficial for reducing anxiety during pregnancy.
  • Healthy pregnancy is improved through increasing blood circulation, lymph circulation, and reducing oedema.
  • Via relaxation, reduces blood pressure especially valuable to a woman with pre-eclampsia.
  • Alleviates muscle spasms, cramps brought by the stress of extra weight bearing and body’s physical changes during pregnancy.
  • Decreases back and leg pain.
  • Improves sleeping pattern.
  • Aids in breathing techniques which is needed during labour and delivery.
  • Decreases levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine.

Conditions:

Always make sure to consult your doctor before you go for any massage or treatment. Categories include High risk pregnancies (Never undergo pregnancy massage without doctor’s permission),and Less threatening conditions (perform massage but with precautions and still per physician’s advise).

High risk pregnancies: Diabetic mother, significant cardiac conditions (e.g rheumatic heart disease), preeclampsia,history of miscarriage, pregnant under 20 or over 35 years, asthma, RH(-) mother or other genetic problems, and history of multiple births.

Less threatening conditions: Still needs a physician’s advise. Incompetent cervix, lung or liver disorder, severe anemia,preeclampsia, history of convulsions, decreased or absence of fetal movement, systemic lupus erythematosus, poor lifestyle habits (drug exposure, malnutrition, cigarette smoking, alcohol intakes) and no doctor consultation.

General Precautions for Pregnancy Massage

  1. No abdominal massage during the first trimester and limit only to effleurage or just try to avoid pregnancy massage therapy for the 1st trimester.
  2. Only go to the certified pregnancy massage therapist for massage during pregnancy.
  3. If you feel uncomfortable during the massage, immediately stop the massage therapy.
  4. Avoid pressure point around the ankles, Achilles tendon, and between the thumb and fingers.
  5. Tapotement is contraindicated on the legs because of the risk of developing blood clots during pregnancy.
  6. If you feel anything unusual during or after the massage, do not ignore the symptoms. Immediately consult your physician.