Massage practitioners generally perform the so-called Swedish massage technique on pregnant women. Swedish massage is focused on relaxing muscle tension and improving circulation by applying gentle pressure to different muscle groups. Pregnancy massage can help re-balance hormone levels to reduce stress and increase relaxation, and it can help reduce swelling and pain in your sciatic nerve, back, and joints. There are other side benefits too: When your body feels better, you’re more likely to get a good night’s sleep. That’s why a good pregnancy massage from a well-trained therapist could give you just the relief you need.
However, if you decide you’re interested in prenatal massage, you should consider the following before you begin:
Make sure you have your doctor’s OK: Women who have high-risk pregnancies or a history of preterm labor will probably be advised to avoid prenatal massage.
Seek a certified prenatal massage therapist: Prenatal massage therapists have gone through specialized training and understand the importance of various sensitive pressure points on a pregnant woman’s body. If you need help finding a massage therapist, you can search through the American Massage Therapy Association.
Don’t start too early: Many massage therapists will not provide services to a woman who is in her first trimester because of the risk of miscarriage. Stay on the safe side and wait until your second trimester before you go in for massage treatment. (If you get a massage before you know you are pregnant it will probably not be an issue.)
Choose the right position: Most massage therapists will arrange for you to receive your massage in a side-lying position. Some massage tables have cut-out holes for your belly and breasts so that you can lie face down, but depending on the size and shape of your belly, those tables may not give you enough support in your abdominal area. Additionally, you should not lie flat on your back as it will cause pressure on blood vessels and reduce circulation.
Watch your pressure points: Pregnant women have sensitive pressure points on their ankles and wrists that can stimulate pelvic muscles. Your pregnancy massage therapist should be trained to address those pressure points cautiously. If you are having early contractions, you should avoid having those pressure points massaged.
If it hurts, stop: Some deep-tissue massage techniques involve a lot of pressure; you should avoid those types of massages while you are pregnant. Your massage therapist will work with you to make sure that you are comfortable throughout the massage, but you should speak up if something doesn’t feel good. Besides, if your massage therapist does a maneuver that is painful, your muscles will tense up and it will counteract the original purpose of the massage.
Massage can be an important tool in helping you feel comfortable throughout your pregnancy. If you are lucky enough to find a practitioner who is a specialist in assisting mothers through childbirth and beyond, you may find labor massage and post-partum massage helpful as well. As long as you and your massage therapist observe proper precautions, your hard-working body will probably be grateful for the relief.
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