Nothing beats a relaxing massage for melting away stresses and easing tired muscles. Pregnancy massage is similar to regular massage but is customised to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies. It is considered a part of Ayurvedic healing.
But many have questions like is it safe to have a massage when you’re pregnant?
Massage is an excellent way to keep your body relaxed during your pregnancy and can be a great way to help you take the pain away. Many spas have therapists who are well-trained in prenatal massages. They are very well known for the fact that what areas of your body need special attention and where to avoid putting pressure.
They also have special oils to avoid reactions in your body. Just inform them that you are pregnant.
Prenatal massage is a unique massage therapy that is especially for pregnant women – eliminating any factors that may put their baby at risk. Always confirm if the therapist has had specific training.
MASSAGE IN PREGNANCY
Many doctors recommend that massages should be avoided in the first trimester due to the high risk of miscarriage during those months of pregnancy. It is always safer to get your doctor’s go-ahead first.
Massage should be relaxing and soothing and any massage in the first trimester should avoid the abdomen. A trained therapist will know how to best position pregnant women for massage, which area to put more pressure and where your body needs special attention.
By the second trimester, maternity massages should be done with the woman lying on her side to keep pressure off the large vein that supplies deoxygenated blood to the heart.
A prenatal massage can have many benefits, which include relaxation, better sleep, better blood circulation and relieving muscular tension which can reduce neck and back pain during pregnancy.
AROMATHERAPY AND ESSENTIAL OILS
Aromatherapy is healing treatments that enhance physical health and mental well-being. This is called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils to improve body health and freshen the mind, and spirit. These oils are used in three different ways: through massage, in the bath or in a diffuser.
If you plan to use essential oils yourself or are having treatment with an aroma therapist, always let your GP or midwife know – particularly if you have any medical conditions.
Some doctors say, prenatal massage may be risky in a few situations, such as:
- You already have a skin injury like burns, rashes, open wounds, skin infections, or eczema.
- You are allergic to massage oils
- You have a high-risk pregnancy
- You have a blood clot or a bone fracture problem
- You have any health issues or complications and your doctor has recommended you avoid massages.
If you are doubtful about whether or not it is okay for you to have a prenatal massage, get your doctor’s go-ahead first.
BENEFITS OF PREGNANCY MASSAGE
The first and most obvious benefit of a pregnancy massage is the physical relief associated with a deep tissue massage. Further, it has many benefits:
- Reduces feelings of anxiety and depression
- Contributes to a better sleep at night
- Stimulates the release of endorphins, which inhibit pain signals to the brain
- Increases blood circulation, providing more nutrients and oxygen to mother and baby
- Strengthen the immune system
- Decreases fatigue
- Reduces swelling in hands, feet and ankles
- Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
- Reduces leg cramps and swelling
WHEN TO AVOID HAVING A PREGNANCY MASSAGE:
- If your maternity care provider has advised you against it.
- Some massage therapists have a policy not to do pregnancy massages within the first trimester of pregnancy as it has a higher risk for miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation.
- If you belong to a high-risk pregnancy category or have previously had a premature labour.
- If you have hypertension or high blood pressure.
- If you experience sudden swelling with retention of fluid or severe headaches.
- If you previously have given a go-to massage and it made you feel sick, or lightheaded, gives you a headache. Don’t feel as if you have to do it just because others say. Some women genuinely don’t like getting touched and find massages an intrusion of their privacy.
- If you feel the pressure on your body while massaging. Ask them to be a little gentler and get comfortable with them in a way of communication. This is what is termed a therapeutic relationship and it needs to be working for you both in order to gain maximum benefit.
