Can Vibration Harm A Fetus
Contents
Unless youve been told otherwise, toys are safe to use at all stages of pregnancy internal, external, during sex and while masturbating. Read also : Is It Bad To Get A Back Massage Every Day?. In fact, using sex toys while pregnant can be a great way to relieve stress, relieve discomfort, and explore your changing body.
Can strong vibrations cause a miscarriage? Shock and vibration Regular exposure to shock, low-frequency vibration , or excessive exercise can increase the risk of miscarriage. Long-term exposure to whole-body vibration can increase the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight.
Should I Get A Prenatal Massage Nearing My Edd
Wondering if getting a prenatal massage weeks before your EDD? Another variation of this question we do get is can prenatal massage induce labor?
Prenatal massage is highly suggested throughout the third trimester because your body is most likely to feel uncomfortable during this period. However, we recommend that moms undergo a prenatal massage no more than two weeks before their due date.
You could give birth at any point during this time. The most noticeable change in your body at 38 weeks would be an increase in pressure in your lower belly, indicating that you should be prepared to give birth by then.
Some therapists continue to provide massage after 38 weeks of pregnancy, but it is most certainly not a prenatal massage. Instead, it would be referred to as a labour massage, in which they assist mothers to naturally induce labour.
The goals and outcomes of prenatal massage and labour massage are vastly different. While the former is intended to treat pregnancy body aches, the latter is usually done to aid in the birth process. We normally dont recommend getting a prenatal massage too close to the EDD, so consult your doctor beforehand.
During the pregnancy, you will see your body change in a variety of ways, and some women may experience mood swings. It is not a simple thing to deal with the tension and worry of role changes during the transition time.
- Hotline Hours Monday – Sunday
- GST REG No. 201412275C
When Shouldnt You Have A Pregnancy Massage
Is It Safe To Have A Massage During Pregnancy? The short answer: yes, it most likely is safe. Of course, before indulging in a massage, let your doctor know youre considering a massage, either from your partner or a professional. This may interest you : What to wear for a back massage. But in general, massage is considered safe after the first trimester.
Why not give a pregnant woman a full body massage?
This is because the weight of your tummy and the growing baby is likely to put pressure on your blood vessels, restricting the flow of blood and nutrients to your baby. Since blood volume nearly doubles during pregnancy, its also best to avoid deep-tissue massage or any other type of strong massage.
What are the risks of a pregnancy massage?
The circulatory changes put a pregnant person at greater risk of blood clots. Applying very strong pressure and deep tissue massage could break up a blood clot, which could lead to dangerous pregnancy complications.
You May Like: Milk And Honey Couples Massage
Shoulder Massage During Pregnancy
Since your neck and shoulders carry a lot of tension, ask your partner to ease any knots with long, moderate-pressure movement down your trapezius musclesthe back muscles that extend down your neck, out to your shoulders and into your upper back, forming a trapezoid shape. During pregnancy, expecting mothers posture shifts to accommodate the increased amount of weight on the front of your body, Delalay says. Because of this, it is so important to focus on massaging not only the lower back, but also the neck and upper back.
You dont need to rely on a partner to enjoy an at-home pregnancy massage! For on-demand muscle release, try using an electric vibrating massager. Vibration is not dangerous and will feel great on the larger muscles, Lyon says. But always be sensible: dont use a Theragun on your belly.
With pregnancy comes significant changesto your body as well as to your lifestyle and overall emotional balance. The good news is that prenatal massage can offer some welcomed respite from those physical and mental challenges. As Lyon says, There truly is no bad time for a massage.
About the experts:
Tiffany Delalay is the spa director at The Spa at MacArthur in Sonoma, California. She has more than 30 years of experience working in the spa industry and has gained specific expertise and insight into prenatal treatments, tracking the latest trends and developments in the field and engaging directly with pregnant clients.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Prenatal Massage: Bringing The Truth To Light
Women need to know the facts about Prenatal and Postpartum Massage. Women see me for Prenatal Massage to help ease the mental, physical, and emotional stresses of pregnancy. But often during the appointment booking, or before we begin a massage session, women have concerns. As a highly trained and experienced Certified Prenatal & Postpartum Massage Therapist, and mom who received massage during all three of my pregnancies, I want to share my knowledge and perspective on this topic.
For 19 years, I have been working with women throughout their childbearing years. I trained with several seasoned practitioners to develop skill and comfort with supporting women throughout their pregnancies, during labor and in postpartum. Before having my own children, I offered Prenatal Massage in my practice, and continuously observed how amazing women felt after receiving massage and bodywork. The women felt less pain, had less stress and anxiety, and overall felt more healthy and well. However, still today, there are many myths about Prenatal Massage and women often contact me in a state of fear, worry and even panic that perhaps massage is not safe, or could hurt them, or their baby, in some way. There continues to be a lot of mystery around Prenatal Massage.
Jenny is a Certified Prenatal & Postpartum Massage Therapist. She sees clients at Waddle n Swaddle Poughkeepsie on Fridays, and at her New Paltz office most other days.
Read Also: Massage Therapist Jobs At Google
Find A Comfortable Position
Set yourself up in a space thats both private and comfortable. You may want to perform the massage while lying in your bed or on a sofa with your legs open and your knees bent. Consider using pillows or a dedicated pregnancy pillow to support your upper body if youd like to sit upright.
Other options include massage while in the bath, while standing with one leg on a stool in the shower , or possibly while sitting on the toilet. Its up to you, but make sure whatever area you choose is clean, private, and that youre safe from falls.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Pregnancy Massage
There is not much research into the health benefits of pregnancy massage, but it does seem to reduce stress, relax and loosen the muscles, increase blood flow and improve the lymphatic system. It can also improve mood, lower anxiety and improve sleep.
Pregnancy massage has also been shown to be very effective during labour to help manage pain and improve your emotional experience of labour.
Also Check: Couples Massage Deals In Houston Tx
Tips For 37 Weeks Pregnant
Quench your thirstMake sure you drink plenty of water, because dehydration can make your uterus contract, causing discomfort. And remember, it also helps with other 37 weeks pregnant symptoms like heartburn.
Get some gingerFeeling queasy? A bit of ginger might snap you out of it. Make your own tea with fresh ginger and boiling water, sip on ginger ale or nibble on crystallized ginger, either on its own or sprinkled on top of yogurt and berries. If the nausea is really bad, ask your doctor to recommend a ginger supplement. Splurging on a ginger cookie may work too!
Slather on the hyaluronic acidThis pregnancy-safe, moisturizing powerhouse may help improve the appearance of stretch marks, so find a cream or oil that includes it in the ingredient list. Youve got to apply it every day to see potential results and take the time to massage it into your bellywhich will feel sooooo good if youve got dry, itchy skin or abdominal pressure!
Put your partner to workIf youre in nesting mode, you want to get everything done, but you cant tackle it on your own. Create a to-do list with your partner and divvy up the tasks. Youll be ready for baby in no time!
Safety And Risks Of Prenatal Massage
Few studies have examined the risks of prenatal massage. Little is known about the risks of pregnancy massage for women with a high-risk pregnancy and pregnancy-related issues such as preeclampsia, high blood pressure, bleeding, or gestational diabetes.
Your doctor, for instance, may recommend avoiding massage therapy during your first trimester, or your massage therapist may not be comfortable performing a massage until you reach the second trimester. There is no research linking massage to miscarriage, but since the overall risk of miscarriage is highest in the first trimester, some providers prefer to err on the side of caution.
A qualified massage therapist will ask you to fill out a medical history form and sometimes an authorization from your healthcare provider. You should provide information on health conditions, medications, allergies, family history, and your pregnancy. Be sure to communicate with the massage therapist and let them know if you feel any discomfort during the treatment.
Seek a certified massage therapist who has additional training in prenatal massage. A qualified, experienced massage therapist will know how to position your pregnant body and which techniques are safe to use.
The safety of essential oils during pregnancy isn’t known and there’s concern that some may trigger uterine contractions. Avoid essential oils in your first trimester and consult your doctor if you’re considering using them in your second or third trimester.
Don’t Miss: Massage Places In San Francisco
What If I Can Barely Walk At 37 Weeks Pregnant
We get itwith the pressure on your belly and pelvis, the swollen feet and the overall fatigue, the farthest you want to walk may be the trip to your couch so you can lie down. But unless your doctor advises against it, take a stroll around the block. Exercise helps with so many things in the third trimesterincluding sleep, body aches and swellingand walking is one of the best forms of physical activity because its gentle on your body.
Can I Have A Pregnancy Massage At 38 Weeks
by Matt Price | Nov 26, 2021 | Massage, Massage Therapy, Pregnancy, Sleep, Wellness, Womens Health
Massage therapy during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, relieve muscular aches and joint pain, and above all improve the labour experience, and newborn health.
That said, is a massage still allowed past the 38-week mark, despite the fact that the babies due date is approaching? Yes, a pregnancy massage is still safe even after 38 weeks of pregnancy. However, if your doctor has advised you not to have a pregnant massage due to underlying health or medical concerns, you should not have one.
In fact, our highly experienced and qualified pregnancy massage therapist can help you cope and manage all the major changes and hormones in your body during each trimester which we know can be tough. This article will focus solely on pregnancy massage at the 38-week stage, which is in the third trimester
Recommended Reading: Cellulite Cream Massaging And Slimming Gel Reviews
Are Massages Safe During Early Pregnancy
With all this talk about massaging and relaxing, you probably want to know when you can get a massage, right?
Technically, you can be massaged at any point during pregnancy, but youll find that most spas do not allow women in the first trimester to receive a massage.
Experts say its best to avoid massage in first trimester when miscarriage risk is highest. Why? For some women, massage can set off a detoxification process. During a detox, your body is basically doing a deep clean and getting rid of stored toxins. This is a problem for pregnant mamas, because some of those toxins may end up back in your blood and can potentially be passed to your developing baby.
If you live a clean lifestyle , this is not likely, and you are a good candidate for massage starting in the second trimester.
Note: Even if you do live a clean lifestyle, there may be circumstances in which you should not receive a massage. For instance, if you have placenta previa and are on bed rest, it wouldnt be a good idea to get a prenatal massage. For this reason, many spas require a doctor or midwifes note prior to your massage.
Always talk to your healthcare provider about whats right for you.
Benefits Of A Pregnancy Massage
- There are many benefits for the pregnant woman. It helps to short-circuit and relieve more troublesome discomforts such as back pain, sciatica, and onset and reduction of oedema .
- These discomforts are often caused by the extra weight and shift in the centre of gravity in being pregnant. In addition, nurturing, emotional support and education provided by the skilled practitioner, will support you in coping with the various changes of your pregnancy, in both body and mind.
- Pregnancy massage helps you to be more comfortable with your body changes and to accept them with more understanding.
- Pre-existing or old injuries / or tendencies maybe exacerbated and inflamed by pregnancy, which massage can reduce and relieve.
- Malpositioned babies who are in a less than ideal position, such as breech or posterior, can be encouraged to move into a more favourable position, particularly if there is any musculo-skeletal tension at play, or emotional considerations as well.
Regular massage throughout the pregnancy, can also shorten labour time, and aid your return to optimal health after birth.
Sometimes a woman might require extra emotional support, if her individual circumstances are not supporting her in the pregnancy in which case, pregnancy counselling may be a useful aid for you to consider.
Read Also: Center For Neuromuscular And Massage Rehabilitation
How Often Should I Get A Prenatal Massage
Aside from being relaxing, prenatal massage provides an array of other advantages that you will love. We understand if youre now wondering how frequently you can or should have it. If you were hoping to get a massage every day, unfortunately, the answer is NO.
Getting a prenatal massage too frequently may overstimulate both your body and the baby youre carrying. We recommend that moms undergo a prenatal massage at least once a week, depending on their bodys condition. If you are unsure about the state of your body, you can always consult with your doctor and see if you are given the go ahead to get the massage.
Getting a pregnancy massage will help you relax and decrease tension. It aids in the reduction of anxiety, the prevention of depression, and the release of hormones that aid in the improvement of sleep. Because of the enhanced circulation, many mothers report that prenatal massage helps to reduce water retention throughout pregnancy.
You May Also Read this : Prenatal Massage at Home: Learn All About It Here!
The History Of Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massages are not new. In fact, prenatal massage has a deep history rooted in many cultures around the world. Heres a look at how prenatal massage has traditionally been used:
- Jamaica: Midwives in Jamaica traditionally used prenatal massage right until delivery. Depending on what stage of labor Mama was in, the midwives would preform different massage techniques. Toona leaves were often used to rub the belly, while olive oil and a warm wet compress was used on the belly during transition.
- Japan: Fun fact: Midwives in Japan are called Sanba, which literally means elderly woman who massages. Japanese sanbas are known for performing acupressure during pregnancy, as well as foot and leg messages while mama labors.
- Mexico: Aztec midwives massaged a mama-to-bes legs and believed that the tension in her legs indicated fetal position. This practice must have been handy when there were no ultrasounds!
- Malaysia: Malaysian mothers massage their own navels with coconut oil. Why? It is believed to encourage the baby to lower into the proper position for birth.
- England: Midwives in 17th century England massaged laboring moms with oil of lilies.
Pregnant? Get my FREE week-by-week updates! Week by Week Promo
Track your babys growth, find safe and natural remedies, and have fun along the way!
Don’t Miss: Prenatal Massage San Antonio Tx
Is Pregnancy Massage Safe
It is important to make sure your massage therapist is properly trained in pregnancy massage. They should avoid pressing certain pressure points and should only use gentle movements on your abdomen .
Heated beds or electric blankets are not recommended in pregnancy. You may also need help to get on and off the table safely.
Always talk to your doctor before you have a pregnancy massage, especially if:
Can Prenatal Massage Induce Labor After 37 Weeks
Myth 3: Massage induces labor before shes ready Not true. In fact, we recommend getting a massage up until your due date, as that will give you the most benefits .
How can I speed up my birth at 37 weeks?
Some natural methods of inducing labor that people have tried include:
- nipple stimulation. Nipple rolling or gentle rubbing can cause a release of oxytocin, which could help induce labor.
- Exercise. Exercise is advisable during pregnancy unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
- Sex.
- Meal.
Can you get a massage to induce labor?
Induction massage is a good option for pregnant women who are afraid of acupuncture or suffering from stress, anxiety or fatigue. There is no guarantee that an induction massage will induce labor, but because it relaxes you, it can get you back on track and promote labor.
Don’t Miss: Learn How To Give A Massage Class