Regular massage therapy can help reduce or eliminate the aches and stresses associated with pregnancy, helping you to feel your best on your journey to motherhood. Prenatal massage has numerous benefits for both mothers and babies, including the following:
- Prepares mothers physically and physiologically for labor and birth
- Improves outcomes for mothers and babies, with fewer hospital admissions, fewer complications, and reduced need for Cesarean births
- Promotes longer gestation periods and higher birth weights
- Regulates hormonal fluctuations, reducing stress and promoting relaxation
- Relieves muscular and nerve pain caused by hormonal and postural changes, including headaches, cramps, and sciatica
Postnatal massage is also beneficial, as changes after pregnancy and birth continue into the “fourth” trimester. Postnatal massage promotes healing after a vaginal or Cesarean birth, relieves the muscle tension that occurs as a result of labor and delivery, and releases tight muscles in the neck, upper back, and arms caused by breast-feeding and holding a newborn.
Common Questions About Prenatal Massage
- Is it okay to receive massage during the first trimester? – Yes, massage therapy can be an incredibly beneficial component of prenatal care at any stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester. In fact, many of my Mamas didn’t realize they were pregnant until 6-8 weeks into their journey. Oftentimes, women are discouraged from receiving massage therapy during the first trimester, as this is the most common timeframe for a miscarriage to occur. The concern is more about liability than causation. For higher risk pregnancies, including IVF, DVT, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, and “35+,” a physician referral is recommended for your peace of mind.
- Is it okay to receive a deep tissue massage during pregnancy? – Yes, it is perfectly fine for mothers to receive deeper massage than is typical in a relaxation-style massage. The muscles and tissues of the neck, shoulders, back, and hips need the right depth of work to release tension. Deep tissue massage doesn’t necessarily mean applying hard pressure, but rather, taking the time to work into the deeper layers of tissue through sustained compression. Lighter massage work is recommended for legs and feet to help reduce swelling and avoid releasing any blood clots.
- Can I lie on my belly or my back? – In early pregnancy, you may lie face up or face down for as long as you are comfortable. As your pregnancy progresses, and it is no longer comfortable for you to lie on your belly or your back, you may lie on your side supported by soft pillows and bolsters. I do have an Earthlite Pregnancy Bolster that allows you to lie face down into your second and third trimesters, and some clients prefer this option. Tables or cushions with belly cutouts don’t always provide sufficient support, which can put undue pressure on the low back and strain the uterine ligaments. For this reason, I use extra pillows with the pregnancy bolster to ensure your abdominal area is properly supported.
I have trained with Michele Holland, a premier instructor for the Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy workshops established by Carole Osborne’s Body Therapy Education program. You and your baby will be in good hands.