The health community has raised many concerns regarding the safety and purpose of a massage during pregnancy. There are many reasons why people go for a massage as it could be used as an injury recovery strategy, a stress management technique, a self-care regimen for pain, or just a blissful luxury. However, this may be different in the case of expectant women, as they require special prenatal care that guarantees good health and overall wellbeing. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about prenatal massage and what health experts have to say regarding its safety on pregnant women.
What Does Pregnancy Massage Involve?
Pregnancy massage is also known as prenatal massage and is a type of hands-on massage that is done during pregnancy. It typically lasts for an hour and is carried out on a special massage table purposely designed for expectant women. Other practitioners also use bolsters, which are radically designed pillows that allow a woman to lie comfortably on her side while receiving a massage. Massage during pregnancy should be soothing and relaxing and any deep tissue work should be avoided.
A well-trained therapist has the right skills and experience to position pregnant women for massage by use of cushioning and providing additional support to the body. A prenatal massage is said to offer many benefits such as better sleep, relaxation, and relieving muscular tension that contributes to back pains during pregnancy.
Is Prenatal Massage Safe?
The technique used in prenatal massage is different from general massage because of the risks involved when particular pressure points are stimulated. Many women are not usually comfortable in the first trimester because it can lead to nausea, vomiting, and hormonal fluctuations. According to health experts, pregnancy massage is only considered safe after the first trimester as long as your massage therapist is aware of your pregnancy and you have received a green light from your practitioner. Massage therapists are trained to avoid certain pressure points that may trigger contractions.
However, the thought that a massage during pregnancy could prompt labor is inconclusive to nonexistent as there is no scientific evidence that supports the possibility of such an outcome. It is not advisable to lie on your back during a massage when you are in the second half of your pregnancy. The weight of your infant and the uterus can reduce circulation to your placenta by compressing blood vessels leading to more problems. Expectant women who are interested in having a massage should consult well-trained therapists who are certified in prenatal massage techniques.
Experts have years of experience in successful massage therapy for expectant women which gives peace of mind to new moms-to-be. A relaxing massage helps to relieve tension by easing tired muscles, strains and melting away stress. It is an excellent way to keep calm and feel relaxed during pregnancy as it helps you manage pain during labor. However, it is very important to take precautions when going for a prenatal massage to avoid any health complications that may occur afterward. Your massage therapist should be aware of your pregnancy status and trimester and should be experienced in handling prenatal massage. This helps to eliminate any factors that might put your baby at risk.
Reasons to Have a Massage While Pregnant
Prenatal massage can offer many benefits to expectant women if done by a professional therapist. According to health experts, having a massage during pregnancy is associated with improved sleep, relief of joint pain, muscle relaxation, and reduction in stress hormones. It relieves everyday discomforts such as a sore back, aching neck, leg cramps or heaviness in the pelvic bone. One of the ultimate benefits of prenatal massage is that it improves the progression of labor that guarantees better health outcomes for the mother and her infant.
When to Avoid Prenatal Massage
It is advisable to avoid a pregnancy massage when your maternity care provider strongly advises you against it or when you are in a high-risk pregnancy category. Women who have previously encountered premature labor or have pregnancy-induced hypertension should avoid any massage unless stated otherwise by their medical practitioner.
Massage can be very useful for expectant women if done by a professional therapist as it relieves pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy. It is recommended to visit therapists who are certified and have been trained in prenatal massage techniques. Adopting a safety-first approach to prenatal massage ensures good health and overall wellbeing for both the mother and her baby.