Posted February 20, 2020
Pregnancy is a time of bodily changes, life changes, and heightened emotions. Women may want to look into methods to alleviate unpleasant symptoms and feel better during this time. One option that appeals to women and has been shown to be beneficial is a massage during pregnancy.
When Shouldn’t Pregnant Women Get Massages?
Massage is a safe treatment modality for pregnant women in general. That being said, there are some precautions to keep in mind before receiving a massage during pregnancy.
When picking your massage therapist, it is advisable to pick someone with experience and training in prenatal massage. When a woman is pregnant, there are many changes going on within her body. As a form of precaution, therapists will often not do massage in early pregnancy.
There are two main reasons to avoid or postpone a massage as a pregnant woman.
1. Very Early In Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a bit precarious early on until the fetus develops more fully. A massage too early on may cause problems, even potentially a miscarriage. It is not recommended by most massage experts to use massage in first trimester clients.
Pressure points on a woman’s body may accidentally trigger contractions that are dangerous for both the mother and child. Another potential risk in early pregnancy massage clients would be the increased blood flow that massage can cause.
2. Certain Medical Issues Or Conditions
When getting a massage during pregnancy, you must be careful about how the process affects your body and its systems. Prenatal massage therapists suggest that women who have the following issues or conditions to not undergo massage because of the increase in blood flow due to its stimulation of the circulatory system:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Recent surgery or another injury
- Having pre-term labor in past pregnancies
- Undergoing a recent organ transplant
- Suffering from a high-risk pregnancy, such as having preeclampsia or congenital heart problems
It is safe for pregnant women to get massages even on a regular basis in the second and third trimester as long as they have no health issues that prevent it.
Health Benefits Of Prenatal Massage
Getting massages regularly during pregnancy can have positive health effects on both mother and child. Some ways massage has been shown to help include:
- Reduction of back and joint pain
- Lessening of muscle tension
- Fewer headaches
- Lessening of stress and anxiety
- Improved sleep quality
- Improved muscle and tissue oxygenation
- Improved edema
- Can help lower birth complications like low birth weight
If you find a knowledgeable, well-trained massage therapist who is willing to work with you during your pregnancy, you may experience these benefits firsthand for you and your new addition.
Try Our Prenatal Massages Today
The staff at The Massage Studio can provide you with a prenatal massage regimen to improve your quality of life during pregnancy. Our unique, four-piece prenatal massage cushion allows you to receive your massage while lying on your stomach and ensures you’re properly supported. Book your prenatal massage today!
