Self-care is essential when you are pregnant. This could be relaxing on the couch while watching a movie or reading a book, or wearing soft, comfortable pants or a tee-shirt. Massages can be very soothing and also have many health benefits. They can reduce pain, improve mood, or even make delivery easier.
What is a prenatal-massage — and what makes it different from the massage that you might get at any other time?
Massage during pregnancy: How it differs from regular massage
There’s a reason why you may feel relaxed after a massage. Nicole Cvitkovic LMT, licensed massage therapist, says that getting a massage can reduce stress hormones, and help you produce oxytocin. This could also help with anxiety and depression.
A massage is different than a massage. Cvitkovic explains that a prenatal massage will be very light — not more than medium to firm pressure. It’ll feel more like Swedish massage, with light strokes like kneading.
You shouldn’t expect a deep tissue massage like you would get when you have a hard knot on your shoulder or neck. Cvitkovic says that the massage would not be sufficient to cause discomfort and wouldn’t make you feel like someone was digging into your back. If a pregnant woman has blood clots, or something similar, deep pressure could potentially dislodge it.
What to expect during a prenatal massaging
Prenatal massages can last from 15 minutes up to an hour. Some massage therapists use special tables for pregnancy massages that have a hole in the middle so you can lay on your stomach. However, it is generally safer to receive a prenatal treatment while lying on your back.
Cvitkovic warns that if you lay on your stomach or on your back, you could get Hypotension (low blood pressure). You may also unintentionally put pressure on nerves.
Massage therapists use massage props like padded bolsters, prenatal massage pillows and massage pillows to ensure that you are comfortable and aligned correctly.
She says, “We have a larger pillow that you can place under your belly or between your knees and generally beneath your head. Then we also have a hugging pillow.” It’s like a giant body cushion to hold on to.
What to wear during prenatal massage
You don’t have to wear special clothing for a massage during pregnancy. Wear whatever makes you comfortable.
Cvitkovic explains that some people dress up for religious reasons or wear a specific garment. “During a masseuse, you are covered with sheets and blankets, so some people dress completely down. Some people prefer to wear pregnancy drapes, which are more flexible. Some people like to wear their underwear. “It all depends.”
Prenatal massage types
Cvitkovic says that there aren’t necessarily different types of prenatal massaging, but that there are different techniques used by therapists.
- Swedish massage.
- Myofascial Release Therapy
- Craniosacral Therapy
She says, “They are all very gentle.” “They are all extremely effective in relieving pain and discomfort.” The movements are slow and gentle, yet they work quickly.
Prenatal massage has many benefits
Massage during pregnancy has many benefits. These include pain relief and the regulation of certain hormone levels. Cvitkovic says that massage can regulate hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin and other things that make us feel happier. This can improve your mood and help you manage depression and anxiety during pregnancy as well as in the postpartum phase.
These benefits are also long-lasting. Cvitkovic claims that prenatal massage increases oxytocin levels, which can improve labor outcomes. ” Oxytocin has been shown to improve labor contractions and influence bonding between you and your baby,” Cvitkovic adds.
Additional benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Rest better.
- How to cure insomnia
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Reduce the pain of labor.
- Relieving depression.
Prenatal massage risks
Prenatal massage has many benefits but also some risks.
Avoid deep pressure in particular areas
Massage therapists should not apply deep pressure to your legs and abdomen. They should avoid areas around your ankles, and some of your toes, namely the big, second, and baby toes.
Cvitkovic warns that “Deep Pressure can cause problems if you have Blood Clots.” These places have small pressure points that migrate up. “Pushing them could increase blood flow.”
Pressing on the affected areas of a pregnant woman with a blood-clot, varicose or deep vein thrombosis can increase complications such as preeclampsia or inducing labour. Cvitkovic says that avoiding those areas can reduce the risk of any of these things happening.
Timing and frequency
Cvitkovic said that although each person tolerates a massage differently, doctors recommend waiting until the 12th week to begin a massage.
Cvitkovic says that getting out of the first trimester is important. You are at high risk for miscarriage if you massage too much during this early stage.
She recommends that you get a massage every two weeks once your pregnancy has entered the second trimester. Later in pregnancy, you may be able to get a massage as often as once per week. She says that your body will be dealing with more. Later in pregnancy, you may be able to receive more massage.
Health complications
A regular massage can lead to miscarriage, or preeclampsia. placenta insufficiency and abruption can also be serious complications. Edema is another possibility, particularly if you massage that area more frequently.
Changes in blood pressure can happen, too. Cvitkovic explains that a massage with a higher pressure can sometimes cause blood pressure to increase. Sometimes, a light massage can lower blood pressure.
Can you have a prenatal home massage?
Prenatal massages are more common at spas than in hospitals.
Cvitkovic says that every massage therapist in a spa has a medical license. They all provide medical massage. However, you can also hire a traveling massage company to come to your house if you are unable to visit a spa.
Consult your doctor regarding prenatal massage
Cvitkovic suggests that you consult your doctor before getting a massage if you are pregnant. Cvitkovic recommends that you speak to your doctor before getting a massage if you are pregnant.
Cvitkovic advises: “If you are planning to become pregnant or in the process to do so, I’d get a note from your doctor, just to make sure.” If someone isn’t aware that they are pregnant and gets a massage, they may miscarry. You don’t want them to blame the massage. ‘”
A massage is a wonderful treat to enjoy during pregnancy. “During pregnancy you are restricted in many ways — you cannot eat certain meats or fish, and you can’t drink coffee, sodas or sugars. It’s not that you’re limited to massage, but rather the pressure and technique. Prenatal massages are extremely helpful if you have a lot to deal with.
