Pregnancy massage is slow, soothing and calming for the various
stages of pregnancy after the
first trimester. During this massage, you lie on your side, with pillows, blankets and towels to support and warm your body and bump.
first trimester. During this massage, you lie on your side, with pillows, blankets and towels to support and warm your body and bump.
Not only is it a highly relaxing treatment, but it also helps to alleviate side effects such as backaches and swelling.
Pregnancy
massage can be of benefit not only to the mother but also to the unborn
baby. It can emotionally and physiologically support the mother during a
time of great change in the body. Pregnancy Massage can also help the
mother prepare her body for birth.
Pregnancy massage is
safe because it is slow and gentle, treating the client with the utmost
care. However, as a complementary therapy, it is not an alternative to
normal maternity care. The benefits
There are many benefits to a pregnancy massage:
•It will stimulate the circulation, aiding distribution of
essential nutrients and fluids to all the major organs of the body
including the placenta.
•Pregnancy massage will release
muscular tension of the upper back, shoulders, lower back and hips. It
will help with varicose veins developing and with sluggish bowel
movement. It encourages the release of oxytocin, this is a pain reducing
hormone which provides vital pain relief during labour and birth.
•The massage will help in reducing any emotional stress and anxiety that the mother is feeling at this time of change.
•The
intention of the massage is to induce a state of deep relaxation and
enhance the mother’s sleep. It is reported that mothers who sleep well
during the last month of their pregnancy have shorter labours.
• It can provide vital monitoring support to the client and her health care professional, such as her GP or midwife.
CONTRONTRAINDICATIONS FOR PREGNANCY MASSAGE
Any
therapies used during pregnancy, including massage must be a
complementary and are not an alternative to maternity care by health
care professionals.
Most massage is contraindicated in
the first trimester of pregnancy. This is a safety precaution as there
is a greater natural risk of miscarriage during this time.
Pregnancy
massage is contraindicated or not suitable for pregnant women who are
experiencing cramping, bleeding or abdominal or pelvic pain.
It
should be avoided if the client has been diagnosed with (or has a
history of) high-risk pregnancy, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary
embolism unless massage is specified by a health care professional.
Frequently asked questions on pregnancy massage
1. IT IS SAFE TO GET A MASSAGE DURING YOUR FIRST TRIMESTER?
This
is believed to be the biggest myth surrounding pregnancy massage. It is
indeed perfectly safe to get a pregnancy massage even though many
massage therapists do not offer these services due to the fact that
miscarriage happens more often in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
2. WHEN MASSAGE DURING PREGNANCY IS NOT ADVISABLE?
In
some cases, it would be inappropriate to perform massage. If the risks
outweigh the benefits of pregnancy massage – It would not be advisable
to get a massage.
3. WHAT IS PREGNANCY MASSAGE?
This
is the use of therapeutic massage techniques designed to maintain the
wellbeing of mother and child. Although it is almost similar to
traditional massage, the techniques adapted in pregnancy massage are
softer and more focused on relaxing the expectant mother and relieving
discomfort.
4. WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A PREGNANCY MASSAGE?
Safety
and comfort are crucial in a pregnancy massage treatment. Therefore,
you may be asked a few questions about the type of massage you’d prefer.
Usually, the most comfortable position for an expectant mother during a
pregnancy massage is lying on one side.
You also have a
choice when it comes to how much clothing you’d like during the massage
session. A typical pregnancy massage treatment should last around one
hour.
5. IS IT SAFE TO HAVE A PREGNANCY MASSAGE?
While
pregnancy massage is good for expectant mothers, it is not suitable for
everyone. Therefore, you need to consult with your obstetrician and
physical therapist before considering this treatment.
6. CAN I GET MASSAGES THROUGHOUT MY WHOLE PREGNANCY?
A
skilled massage therapist with years of experience knows the right
types of techniques to adopt for expectant mothers at different stages.
In other words, the massage technique to be employed largely depends on
the stage of pregnancy you are at.
However, due to the
increased risk of experiencing a miscarriage during the first few weeks
of pregnancy, undergoing a pregnancy massage in the first trimester is
discouraged in some facilities. Pregnancy massages on the abdomen are
also discouraged during this period.
Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Health Centre.
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