Prenatal massage as part of prenatal care.

The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement shown to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health. Consult with your midwife or obstetrician before beginning any new therapeutic practice.

 

Is prenatal massage safe throughout the entire pregnancy?

Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester. Many facilities will refuse to offer massage to a woman who is still in her first trimester because of the increased risk for miscarriage associated with the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

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How often should you get a prenatal massage?

For prenatal massage, it is recommended that your appointments coincide with your doctor visits. This means once a month until 27 weeks, and twice a month until 36 weeks. After that, it is recommended that you transition to weekly appointments until you give birth.
 

Precautions for prenatal massage?

As with any therapeutic approach to pregnancy wellness, women should discuss massage with their prenatal care provider. The best way to address the risks of prenatal massage is to be informed and to work together with knowledgeable professionals.

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Benefits?

Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Research shows prenatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Prenatal massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques.

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Swedish Massage aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. Swedish Massage is the recommended massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts.

 

IN SUMMARY, BENEFITS OF PRENATAL MASSAGE INCLUDES:

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• emotional support and nurturing touch

• relaxation and self-awareness

• pain relief on weight-bearing joints, pelvis and lower back

• back, hip and neck pain relief

• preparation of the muscles and joints used during childbirth

• reduced swelling in hands and feet

• lessened sciatic pain

• fewer calf cramps

• headache and sinus congestion relief

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AND BABY?

Through their moms, babies will benefit from an improved blood circulation, healthy tissue, flexible joints and muscles during the pregnancy and labor.