Prenatal
Massage
Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Massage during pregnancy can offer the same benefits. Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce stress, reduce anxiety, relieve muscle and joint pain, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Before getting a massage, check with your doctor to make sure he or she advocates a particular technique. You will find that most massage therapists avoid massage during the first trimester of pregnancy and will require that you get clearance from your doctor during this time. A pregnancy massage typically lasts an hour and often requires the use of a pregnancy massage table (a table designed to accommodate a woman’s pregnant belly) or specially designed pillows or bolsters to accommodate the belly or side-lying. Discuss with your therapist what feels most comfortable to you. Massage during pregnancy is not an indulgence, it can be an instrumental ingredient in a woman’s prenatal care. It is important to seek care from a certified prenatal massage therapists. These therapists have received training beyond the national standards and know how to address specific pregnancy and massage needs. Further, they are aware of how to position you safely to prevent strain to the uterine ligaments and can watch for symptoms of blood clots and varicose veins. Pregnancy massage experts adapt their techniques to address the changes in a woman’s body. Blood volume increases dramatically – as much as 50% during pregnancy, yet blood flow to the legs can often be slow or sluggish as levels of anticoagulants in the blood naturally rise. These circulatory changes put pregnant women at risk of blood clots in the lower legs, so the massage therapist uses light, slow strokes and avoids deep massage and strong pressure on the legs – and all leg massage strokes should move toward the heart. Edema or swelling of the joints during pregnancy
is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce the collection of fluids in swollen joints. Later in pregnancy, as the uterus rests on the muscles of the pelvic floor, a pregnant woman experiences sciatic nerve pain. Massage addresses the inflamed nerves by releasing tension on nearby muscles. Swedish Massage is the recommended massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts. Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to a woman’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. If you have recently experienced bleeding, pre-term contractions, are a high risk pregnancy, have high blood pressure, pregnancy induced hypertension, preeclampsia, swelling, severe headaches, or have recently given birth should speak to their health care provider prior to receiving a massage. The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement shown to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health. Consult with your midwife or obstetrician before beginning any new therapeutic practice.
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