What is Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal massage, also referred to as pregnancy massage, promotes relaxation, calms nerves, and loosens heavy back and leg muscles in older females. It is beneficial during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy when the added weight on the abdomen results in strain on the back.

Prenatal Massage Therapists

Before undergoing a prenatal massage, ask if the massage therapist has received special training.
In advanced courses, massage therapists study the physiology of pregnant women. They are well-versed in what pregnant women require at various pregnancy phases and ways to provide extra padding and support to the body. Knowing the pressure points to stay away from during pregnancy is exceptionally crucial.

A spa can be reputable, but if they have no qualified therapists, they will not offer a prenatal massage. Alternatively, independent massage therapists specialize in prenatal and postnatal massage or have special training, especially in large cities.

Familiarity With Prenatal Massage Positions

Prenatal massage differs from traditional massage in several ways. First, if you lie on your back, pillows are placed under your knees and shoulders. If you are far along in your pregnancy, you can position yourself in a semicircle where you look at the wall rather than the ceiling.

Certain prenatal massages also employ a special clasp with a plunging neckline in the middle so that you can rest comfortably. A back massage can also be done on your side during pregnancy, with pillows underneath your head and between your legs.

Positions usually vary based on which point in your pregnancy you are in. During the second trimester, the whole massage needs to be done with the mother lying sideways to keep pressure on the vein in the abdominal cavity. This large vein transports deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Prenatal Massage Benefits

Prenatal massage brings relaxation and eases joint tension. It alleviates neck and back pain, helps retain proper posture, relaxes, and makes uterine muscles flexible. Prenatal massage supports the circulatory and lymphatic systems to keep the blood flowing through the mother and baby.

It also aids in stimulating different glands in the body that contribute to stabilizing hormone levels and decreasing nerve tension across the body.

It is recommended to continue the massage once your baby is here. This is because a postpartum massage (also known as a birth massage) has the potential to encourage rejuvenation of your pre-pregnancy body. It assists in restoring body weight and firms the skin around the abdomen.

It also relieves muscle tension and stress associated with maternity responsibilities.

Safety And Risks Associated With Prenatal Massage

Few studies have looked in detail at the risks associated with prenatal massage. As is the case with any new therapy, it is vital to check with your doctor before starting prenatal massage therapy. The doctor might, for example, advise you not to have a massage during the first trimester of pregnancy. Not much is known about the dangers of prenatal massage for women with high-risk pregnancies and pregnancy-related problems such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, bleeding, or gestational diabetes.

It Is Essential to Keep the Following Points in Mind:

-Too much heat is harmful to pregnant women, so watch out with hot stone massages or other heat-emitting devices.

-Some leg and feet acupuncture points can trigger uterine contractions and premature labor. Skilled prenatal massage therapists are aware of these pressure points and know how to avoid them, but they must be qualified!

-You should not be asked to sleep on your back during a prenatal massage, as lying in this position can induce dizziness and even fainting. Many experts suggest that the safest position for a pregnant woman during a massage is to lie on her side.

Have you ever had a prenatal massage? Share your experience with us in the comments below!