Prenatal massage

Massage therapy has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress and relieve muscle tension. Massage during pregnancy is often controversial from the medical community regarding its safety and purpose. Modern surveys and studies have shown that prenatal massage therapy can be a defining component of prenatal care for women and should be given special attention.

Therapeutic prenatal massage should be distinguished from perineal massage, the latter referring to the practice of manually stretching the tissues surrounding the birth canal to reduce the risk of an episiotomy or birth-related trauma.

While most massage training schools teach massage to pregnant women, your best bet is to find a massage therapist who is certified in prenatal massage.

The benefits of prenatal massage

Research shows that massage therapy given during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, relieve muscle and joint pain, improve birth outcomes, and improve newborn health. Massage therapy addresses different needs through a variety of techniques, one of which is called Swedish massage.

Swedish massage is aimed at relieving muscle tension and improving lymph and blood circulation through gentle pressure on muscle groups of the body. Swedish massage is the recommended massage method during pregnancy as it corrects many of the common disorders associated with skeletal and circulatory changes caused by hormonal changes.

Hormonal regulation

Research over the past 10 years has shown that levels of hormones associated with relaxation and stress change significantly when massage therapy is incorporated into prenatal care for women. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. In women who received biweekly massage for just five weeks, levels of hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) were reduced, while dopamine and serotonin levels were elevated (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression) .

These changes in hormone levels have also led to fewer birth complications and fewer newborn complications such as low birth weight. Evidence strongly suggests that therapeutic massage benefits maternal and newborn health when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.

Swelling reduction

Swelling or swelling of the joints during pregnancy is often caused by decreased circulation and increased pressure on large blood vessels due to a heavy uterus. Massage helps stimulate soft tissues to reduce fluid buildup in swollen joints. It also improves the elimination of tissue waste carried by the body's lymphatic system.

Nerve pain improvement

Sciatic nerve pain occurs in many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on the muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. Pressure from the uterus tightens the muscles in the upper and lower legs, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves.

Massage therapy treats sore nerves by helping relieve tension from nearby muscles. Many women have experienced a significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy thanks to massage.

Other potential benefits of prenatal massage include:

Reduced back pain
Reduced joint pain
Improved circulation
Reduced edema
Reduced muscle tension and headaches
Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
Better sleep

Prenatal massage precautions?

As with any therapeutic approach to wellness during pregnancy, women should discuss massage therapy with their prenatal care physician. The best way to reduce the risks associated with prenatal massage is to be informed and work with knowledgeable professionals.

Body position during prenatal massage

Many experts consider the optimal position for a pregnant woman during a massage lying on her side. Tables with a hole that can fit the uterus can be unreliable and may still put pressure on the abdomen or allow the abdomen to hang down, causing an uncomfortable uterine sprain. Check with your massage therapist prior to your first appointment to find out what position they place their clients in during a massage.

Find the right massage therapist

It is important to consult with a certified prenatal massage therapist. Certified therapists have received training beyond national standards for massage therapists and know how to meet the special needs of pregnant women and massage therapists.

They know how to position you safely and avoid stress on the ligaments of the uterus. They can also track symptoms of blood clots and varicose veins.

Women who have recently had bleeding, premature contractions, or any of the following conditions should consult a physician prior to massage:

High-risk pregnancy
Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Preeclampsia
Previous pre-term labor
Experiencing severe swelling, high blood pressure, or sudden, severe headaches
Recently gave birth

Is prenatal massage safe during pregnancy?

Women can start massage therapy at any time during their pregnancy, whether in the first, second or third trimester. Many institutions will refuse to offer massage to a woman who is still in her first trimester due to the increased risk of miscarriage associated with the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Prenatal massage as part of prenatal care

The benefits of massage can improve the overall prenatal health of many pregnant women. With the guidance and advice of an antenatal care professional, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine antenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement that improves pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. Before starting any new therapeutic practice, consult with your midwife or obstetrician.