Why Should You Get A Prenatal Massage
As mentioned, the body makes several adjustments when pregnant to assist with the process of bringing a child into the world. These changes may cause discomfort to any pregnant womans body.
Prenatal massage can heal this pain by providing:
1. Lower back pain relief
The main change is the obvious addition of a belly, but it doesnt just grow without affecting anything else. Our bodies tend to shift posture to compensate for the extra weight, helping to balance it according to the new center of gravity.
The added pressure on the back to compensate does make balancing the belly easier, however it also introduces a lot of extra pressure on the muscles and joints in the lower back.
This is why pregnant women often feel a good deal of pain and discomfort around that area and prenatal massage can help to relieve that pain.
2. Stress relief
All of the added physical changes coupled with the hormonal and mental changes tend to compound one into a large clump of stress. A prenatal massage can help in this regard by getting rid of the knots in the body while providing a calming effect to the brain, making some of that stress melt away.
3. Improved sleep quality
In the same vein, a prenatal massage helps the body relax and release tension which in turn helps pregnant women who have difficulty falling asleep too. This is much more common than you may think, and getting those few extra hours can mean a lot.
4. Help relieve swelling
Are Massage Guns Safe During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an emotional and physical rollercoaster, almost from day one. From the day you learn that you are pregnant, your daily routine starts to change. You don’t eat the same things, activities change, and you have endless questions.
To put it simply, when pregnant, you need both psychological and physical support to keep your health at its best. According to the American Pregnancy Association, massage therapy can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other symptoms.
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However, percussion massages for pregnant women can be quite technical and require caution when used. You can use a massage gun on your own only if you use it on your body’s specific parts outlined in the article.
PLEASE NOTE:We recommend consulting with your doctor before doing any massages by yourself while pregnant, especially during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
What Happens When You Do Percussion Massages While Pregnant?
Where to Use Percussion Massager When Pregnant?
Percussion massagers are only safe when used on upper body parts like shoulders, neck, and back. Make sure to avoid your lower legs, lower back, thighs, and stomach. Overusing it can be risky for your baby, so don’t play around with anything on your own. Do your research well and follow the proper guidelines from your doctor.
When to Stop a Pregnancy Massage?
Pregnancy Contraindications To Massage
The following are pregnancy complications which are contraindications to massage, according to experts:
- Pre-eclampsia: This condition, which develops after 20 weeks, can also damage blood vessels and cause stroke or even death. Massage may be performed in affected clients with a doctors permission, experts note.
- Deep vein thrombosis : Check pregnant clients for DVT by looking for differences between the left and right legs, including swelling or heat in only one. If there is a DVT diagnosis or a positive screening, the massage should be postponed until it resolves.
- Placenta problems : These rare conditions involving the placenta can lead to dangerous bleeding. The massage should be postponed unless a physician okays it.
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Tips For Enjoying Massage During Pregnancy
Be sure to ask if your massage therapist is certified or licensed by a professional organization, and has training in and experience with prenatal massage. Your doctor or midwife may be able to recommend a qualified massage therapist in your area. Or you can use the locator tool available on the American Massage Therapy Association website.
Before your appointment, drink extra water. Massage can be dehydrating . Continue hydrating after your massage, too.
When you arrive for your appointment, make sure the environment is clean. The room and linens should appear freshly cleaned and laundered and your therapist should wash their hands prior to beginning your massage.
If you can’t find an affordable therapist, massage at home is beneficial too. Ask your partner to rub your feet, back, or shoulders or massage your scalp, or gently rub lotion or vitamin E oil on your abdomen. Even self-massage can feel good and provide relief from minor discomforts.
Is It Safe To Get A Massage While Pregnant
The NHS provides some useful safety advice on the use of complementary therapies in general during pregnancy. Some complementary therapies are not recommended and the jury is out on others, but the NHS does specifically state that there is indeed evidence to support the use of massage and aromatherapy for treating anxiety.
So the good news is: Yes, massage can be safely offered during pregnancy and can help with anxiety and stress! Regular massage during pregnancy can also provide the feeling of comfort and relief towards pain.
In accordance with generally accepted medical advice, we only accept bookings for pregnancy massage once you are confirmed as over 12 weeks pregnant. We do not recommend or carry out any type of massage on pregnant women during the first three months of pregnancy.
We work with massage therapists who are specifically trained in Pregnancy Massage. If you are pregnant and over 12 weeks, please select Pregnancy Massage from the treatment styles offered in our online booking system and then our specially trained therapist who cover your area will be shown.
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When To Avoid Having A Pregnancy Massage:
- If your maternity care provider has advised you against it.
- Some massage therapists have a policy of not doing pregnancy massages within the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. This is because of the increased risk for miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation.
- If you are in a high risk pregnancy category or have previously had a premature labour.
- If you have Pregnancy Induced Hypertension e.g. high blood pressure.
- If you have pre-eclampsia, or sudden swelling with retention of fluid. If you experience severe headaches.
- If having a pregnancy massage causes you to feel sick, lightheaded, gives you a headache or you don t enjoy the experience. Don t feel as if you have to do it just because others feel it’s a good idea. Some women genuinely don t like being touched and find massages an intrusion of their privacy.
- If you feel the massage therapist is being too vigorous you need to say so. Ask them to be a little gentler and keep the lines of communication open between you both. This is what is termed a therapeutic relationship and it needs to be working for you both in order to gain maximum benefit.
Maintaining Safety During Prenatal Massage
Safety during prenatal massage will come from good communication from both client and therapist, as well as modifying or omitting techniques throughout each trimester as necessary. The first trimester for women can also be the highest risk of experiencing a miscarriage and this is probably one of main concerns women may be hesitant to receiving massage therapy. Your body has amazing protective measures against physical disturbances including many layers of muscles, fascia, the uterus, and the amniotic sac.
It is still important to let your RMT know you are pregnant in the early stages . You can start to discuss modifications of your treatment to make you feel comfortable.
Some of these modifications can include:
- Avoiding deep abdominal massages, avoiding stimulating the uterus
- Gentle joint mobilizations around the lumbar-pelvic region
- Treatments within your pain tolerance.
- Avoiding extreme heat with heat pads
As you progress into your second and third trimester that typically means a risk in a miscarriage decreases. Your RMT may begin to offer you more treatment options like abdominal massage . If you are considered a high risk pregnancy, make sure to talk with your doctor first before receiving massage
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Precautions For Prenatal Massage
As with any therapeutic approach to pregnancy wellness, women should discuss massage with their prenatal care provider. The best way to address the risks of prenatal massage is to be informed and to work together with knowledgeable professionals.Many professionals consider the best position for a pregnant woman during massage is side-lying. Tables that provide a hole in which the uterus can fit may not be reliable and can still apply pressure to the abdomen, or allow the abdomen to dangle, causing uncomfortable stretching of the uterine ligaments. Consult your massage therapist before your first appointment to verify what position they place their clients in during the massage.
Can I Have A Massage When Pregnant
Answer:
Yes, of course! We highly recommend you get the massage for pregnancy after 28 weeks of pregnancy, and latest by 2 weeks before your estimated due date. You can still get a pregnancy massage between the 16th and 27th week, but make sure to get a green light from your doctor or gynaecologist first!
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Are Foot Massages Safe During Pregnancy
Thanks to an increase in the hormone relaxin and the additional weight that the feet must support, pregnant mamas experience tired and sore, swollen feet. In general, foot massages are safe and can be very beneficial in relieving these symptoms. There are, however, acupressure points that can stimulate labor on and near the feet, so it is important to see a massage therapist trained in prenatal foot massages.
But what if the dad-to-be wants to rub mamas feet at home? Have him follow these tips:
- Avoid the acupressure points that trigger labor
- Use an all-natural lotion or oil such as easy-to-apply coconut oil, almond oil, or a pre-blended massage oil
- Be careful standing up after a massageyour feet may be slippery
What Does A Pregnancy Massage Involve
Pregnancy can put a lot of stress on your back, shoulders, neck and abdominal muscles. Pregnancy massage is designed to relieve some of the aches and pains that are common during pregnancy. A qualified therapist will understand the areas to target and which to avoid.
Before the massage begins, your therapist will talk to you about your health and lifestyle. They will ask you to lie on a specially-designed massage table and will cover you with towels to protect your privacy and to keep you warm. They will probably use creams or oils to help them to massage your skin smoothly.
They will help you to get comfortable with pillows. Remember it is not a good idea to lie flat on your back while you are in the second half of your pregnancy since this puts too much pressure on the vein that runs from your legs to your heart.
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Can I Have A Facial If I’m Pregnant
Some lucky women find they have a lovely glow in pregnancy, while others find their skin is oily, dry or prone to spots. All of this is thanks to those pregnancy hormones. Whatever is going on with your skin, a facial might be a nice way to help you feel and look rejuvenated.
If youre finding your skin is more sensitive, ask your therapist to use gentler products. You can also ask for a patch test 24 hours before your treatment.
How Are Pregnancy Massage Therapists Trained
Most massage therapy training programs require about 500 hours of education. That education may or may not include specific training in pregnancy massage. Continuing education classes and workshops that specialize in pregnancy massage vary widely in terms of how much training and hands-on experience is provided.
Look for a massage therapist through one of the national associations that trains and certifies massage therapists. For example, you could contact the American Massage Therapy Association. Before your first appointment, ask about the therapist’s specific training and experience in pregnancy massage. A doctor, midwife, or chiropractor may also be able to recommend a qualified massage therapist in your area.
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Can I Use Massage Chairs
Massage chairs are a very easy way to enjoy the benefits of a massage. The chairs feature heat and vibration to provide pain relief. However, many women wonder if it is safe.
While much conjecture exists, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove or disprove their safety. Therefore it is recommended you contact your health care professional or doctor before using one.
What Is A Pregnancy Massage Table
Many massage therapists use pregnancy pillows and a wedge to keep women on their side during a massage. This is often seen as the best position for a pregnancy massage.
However, some also employ specially designed massage tables for pregnant women. This sort of table features a hole for your belly and often depressions for your breasts. It can be a treat for women who have not been able to lie on their belly for a long time.
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When Can You Get A Prenatal Massage
Good news: You can get a prenatal massage at any point in pregnancy, even early on, Field says. In fact, it may be particularly helpful in the first trimester if you have morning sickness. While there is no direct research that links massage to pregnancy-related nausea relief, a study found that a 20-minute massage significantly reduced nausea in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
That said, some facilities may choose not to offer prenatal massage for moms-to-be who are still in their first trimesternot because massage is riskier during this time, as the American Pregnancy Association explains, but simply because theyd like to avoid any liability issues should their client go on to experience a miscarriage, which is statistically more likely to happen during the first 12 weeks of any pregnancy.
The third trimester is especially great for prenatal massage. By then, your body has undergone a huge transformation, and youre likely to be both physically and mentally exhausted by the pregnancy. It even works as a preparation exercise for labor. Massage allows the pregnant client to practice breathing through physical intensity to release muscles, softening instead of holding against the pain, says Lyon. This is also the ideal reaction to contractions. There are very few things you can do to practice that kind of physical and mental surrender.
Is Massage Good In Pregnancy
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Massage imposes a lot of benefits on the human body and provides enough comfort and relaxation. like full body massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, and many other massage services.
Prenatal massage is also giving relaxation and comfort to pregnant women during pregnancy. You may face the issue aches, pains, and other mental and physical issues.
So, in this case, pregnancy massageis safe and has a lot of benefits.But for this, you must follow and come up with some precautions.
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Is Massage Safe During Pregnancy
A heavy belly. A sore back. An emotional rollercoaster. Welcome to pregnancy! Many women ask whether massage therapy is a safe way to relieve these physical and mental stressors. The answer is: Generally, yes.
Massage therapy during pregnancy has been shown to provide many benefits, including a sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep. But certain techniques and trigger points in the body can cause contractions and premature labor, so seeking expertise is vital. Prenatal massage is a specialized certification, and massage therapists who practice it receive advanced education in safe techniques for pregnant women.
Before you schedule a massage, visit with your doctor and follow specific guidelines to protect yourself and your baby. Ive invited Bridgette Young, a massage therapist who also is a mom-to-be, to share insights about things to consider and the benefits of prenatal massage.
Try Our Prenatal Massages Today
The staff at The Massage Studio can provide you with a prenatal massage regimen to improve your quality of life during pregnancy. Our unique, four-piece prenatal massage cushion allows you to receive your massage while lying on your stomach and ensures youre properly supported. Book your prenatal massage today!
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Certain Medical Issues Or Conditions
When getting a massage during pregnancy, you must be careful about how the process affects your body and its systems. Prenatal massage therapists suggest that women who have the following issues or conditions to not undergo massage because of the increase in blood flow due to its stimulation of the circulatory system:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Recent surgery or another injury
- Having pre-term labor in past pregnancies
- Undergoing a recent organ transplant
- Suffering from a high-risk pregnancy, such as having preeclampsia or congenital heart problems
It is safe for pregnant women to get massages even on a regular basis in the second and third trimester as long as they have no health issues that prevent it.
Fewer Complications During And After Labor
“Perineal massage, when performed 3-4 times a week from 34 weeks of pregnancy, can make the perineum – the area of muscle and skin between the vagina and anus more elastic and reduce the severity of tearing and the need for an episiotomy a surgical cut to the area to facilitate babys birth,” explains Gilchrist.
Additionally, she says, regular massage in pregnancy has been shown to decrease pain in labor and to shorten labor by up to three hours.
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