Benefits Of Deep Tissue Massage
Pregnant massage therapy can improve your muscle tone and increase the circulation of your blood and lymphatic system. Pregnancy often brings various aches and pains as your body adjusts to the new life growing inside you. Therefore, a relaxing massage can alleviate the mental and physical fatigue that may begin to weigh you down.
Some benefits of deep tissue prenatal massage include the following:
- Sense of well-being
- Reduction in depression, anxiety and stress
Lets take a closer look at some benefits of massage during pregnancy.
When Can I Get A Prenatal Massage
Clear it with your OB
Always clear things like this with your OB. A massage may sound harmless, but you want to keep your little nugget safe in there and you free from aches and pains If you are a high-risk pregnancy, she may have to say no. Or, she may tell you to wait until your second trimester. Why? Because the risk of miscarriage is higher in the first trimester, and for this reason, many massage therapists do not offer prenatal massages until then. Dont worry, a massage will not increase your risk of miscarriage.
Schedule with a pro: Not just anyone can give you a massage while pregnant. Even with the regular non-pregnant massage, there are different kinds. You want someone certified in prenatal massages, this way they understand that your ankles will be swollen, and legs possibly tender .
Benefits
We all love massages . I find it so relaxing and often leave in sleepy daze, muscles relaxed. Massage therapy is actually really beneficial during your pregnancy. It will benefit you in ways other than relaxation. Getting massaged while pregnant with help to lower anxiety and increase sleep Wish that back and leg pain would be relieved for a while? I bet you do! A prenatal massage will help with that.
What kind of massage is safe?
Your legs are important
Did you get a prenatal massage? What was your experience like? Share with us in the comment section below!
Just 5 Minutes Of Perineal Massage Per Day Can Produce Life
Perineal massage will feel awkward, even painful, at first. But, the more you practice, the easier and more comfortable it will become. Just 5 minutes per day during the last several weeks of pregnancy will help relax and stretch your perineal tissues to help prevent perineal trauma or tearing during delivery, and pain and discomfort for the months and years following the birth of your baby.
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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
- 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.
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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.
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Find A Qualified Pregnancy Massage Therapist
To ensure youre receiving the best and safest massage therapy while pregnant, its important to seek care from a certified pregnancy massage therapist. Therapists should have a certification in any one of Discover Massage Australias courses, as well as be trained specifically in prenatal massage.
Therapists should be mindful of how to position you safely and prevent strain to ligaments. They also need to be able to address your specific pregnancy concerns and provide you with at-home self-care techniques, as well as pain management exercises for during labour.
Is Pregnancy Massage Safe
Some doctors hesitate to advise massage during pregnancy because there is a huge variation in training. There is also a lack of certification standards nationwide. This is especially true for the specialty of pregnancy massage. Not all states have laws requiring a set minimum training for a massage therapist, regardless of whether or not the therapist’s client is pregnant.
Also, like many forms of complementary medicine, massage therapy during pregnancy hasn’t been rigorously studied with high-quality clinical research methods. One area of controversy is whether it’s safe to have a massage during the first trimester.
Many massage therapists won’t give pregnancy massages during the first trimester. The reason is the potential for miscarriage. Some pregnancy massage experts argue that pregnancy massage doesn’t, in itself, cause miscarriage, but no research has been done to show a link between a massage and a miscarriage. Because many miscarriages happen in the first trimester, some massage therapists and doctors counsel against first-trimester massage simply to avoid any potential liability issues should a miscarriage occur.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine advises all pregnant women to consult with their doctor before trying massage.
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What Is Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is a catch-all term for any hands-on massage during or after pregnancy .
A pregnancy massage typically lasts an hour. Some practitioners use a pregnancy massage table. That’s a table designed to accommodate a woman’s pregnant belly. Others use specially designed pillows called bolsters to position a woman comfortably on their side. This helps especially during the later stages of pregnancy. Lying on your side is often the most comfortable position.
Can I Have A Facial If I’m Pregnant
Some lucky women find they have a lovely glow in pregnancy, while others find their skin is oily, dry or prone to spots. All of this is thanks to those pregnancy hormones. Whatever is going on with your skin, a facial might be a nice way to help you feel and look rejuvenated.
If youre finding your skin is more sensitive, ask your therapist to use gentler products. You can also ask for a patch test 24 hours before your treatment.
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Why You Might Need A Massage When Pregnant
Its common for women to experience back, neck and shoulder pain and tightness during pregnancy. Given this, massage during pregnancy can be useful to manage symptoms of muscle soreness, as well as fatigue, anxiety and stress. Massage therapy can address different needs during pregnancy, including relaxing muscle tension, improving circulation, and addressing emotional symptoms brought on by hormone shifts and anxiety.
You should consider getting a massage when pregnant if:
- Youre experiencing muscle, joint or nerve pain
- Youre experiencing headaches, heartburn, or digestive issues
- Youre experiencing emotional fluctuations, including depression, stress and anxiety
- You want to learn relaxation techniques to manage labour pain and delivery.
How To Choose A Prenatal Massage Therapist
After you get your doctor’s approval, you can begin researching massage therapists that are qualified to do prenatal massage.
To ensure you have a safe and helpful experience, make sure that a potential therapist:
- Is certified in prenatal massage
- Provides a clean environment
- Does not use essential oils that should be avoided during pregnancy
- Uses proper positioning and approved massage techniques for pregnancy
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The Benefits Of Getting A Massage When Pregnant
There seems to be some general confusion when it comes to pregnancy massage. While there are massage therapists who specialise in massage therapy during pregnancy, there are also therapists who turn away pregnant women out of fear that it may do more harm than good. The truth is that pregnancy massage is completely safe in the hands of a skilled, qualified prenatal massage therapist.
Whats more, massage therapy can help relieve a number of unpleasant pregnancy symptoms, as well as act as some special me time for the mother-to-be. Find out more below.
At What Stage Of Pregnancy Can You Have A Prenatal Massage
Pregnant women can begin prenatal massage therapy at any stage of their pregnancy, whether they are in the first, second, or third trimester. Some prenatal massage therapists will not massage women in their first trimester, however, due to its negative, but unfounded, relation to miscarrige.
At Katie Bell Physiotherapy and Wellness, we support all women throughout pregnancy with our Prenatal Massage service, within the recommendations of your pregnancy consultant. If you are unsure about anything, please check with your consultant before booking.
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Tips For Enjoying Massage During Pregnancy
Be sure to ask if your massage therapist is certified or licensed by a professional organization, and has training in and experience with prenatal massage. Your doctor or midwife may be able to recommend a qualified massage therapist in your area. Or you can use the locator tool available on the American Massage Therapy Association website.
Before your appointment, drink extra water. Massage can be dehydrating . Continue hydrating after your massage, too.
When you arrive for your appointment, make sure the environment is clean. The room and linens should appear freshly cleaned and laundered and your therapist should wash their hands prior to beginning your massage.
If you can’t find an affordable therapist, massage at home is beneficial too. Ask your partner to rub your feet, back, or shoulders or massage your scalp, or gently rub lotion or vitamin E oil on your abdomen. Even self-massage can feel good and provide relief from minor discomforts.
Prenatal Massage At Home: How To Massage A Pregnant Woman
You may be tempted to hire a live-in masseuse for the duration of your pregnancy, but turning to your partner, or a vibrating massager, may be the next best thing. Not only does daily massage during pregnancy help reduce your risk of prenatal depression and premature labor, but your partner whos doing the massaging can reap some benefits too. Their stress hormones are reduced by stimulating pressure receptors in their hands and arms as they massage, Field says.
To get set up, make sure youre comfortable. Tucking supportive cushions under you helps keep the body in alignment when youre lying on your side. Place a pillow between your knees for added support. Next, consider if youd like to use a lotion or massage oil. While essential oils are by no means necessary for a successful at-home prenatal massage, aromatherapy can enhance the experience. I love using lavender for our pregnancy massages for its relaxing and baby-safe properties, Delalay says. Just give the oils a sniff before using to make sure your heightened senses arent offended, and steer clear of certain essential oils that arent recommended for pregnancy.
Ready to try a prenatal massage at home? Here are some key pointers from the pros.
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Always Check With Your Care Provider Before Scheduling A Prenatal Massage
While most medical professionals agree that massage is healthy at any point in a pregnancy, many prenatal massage therapists opt to wait until after the 12-week mark due to the increased risk of miscarriage during that first trimester.
Always check with your doctor or midwife before getting your first massage. There are cases where the care provider may say, no to a full body massage, and, yes, to modifications – such as using a massage chair to focus on your neck, shoulders and upper-back, etc.
This may be the case if you have experienced:
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Bleeding or spotting
-
Pregnancy-induced hypertension
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Pre-eclampsia
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The birth of a baby in the past year
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Severe swelling, headaches, or cramping
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Other conditions associated with a high-risk pregnancy
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.
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Is It Safe To Get A Massage While Pregnant
The NHS provides some useful safety advice on the use of complementary therapies in general during pregnancy. Some complementary therapies are not recommended and the jury is out on others, but the NHS does specifically state that there is indeed evidence to support the use of massage and aromatherapy for treating anxiety.
So the good news is: Yes, massage can be safely offered during pregnancy and can help with anxiety and stress! Regular massage during pregnancy can also provide the feeling of comfort and relief towards pain.
In accordance with generally accepted medical advice, we only accept bookings for pregnancy massage once you are confirmed as over 12 weeks pregnant. We do not recommend or carry out any type of massage on pregnant women during the first three months of pregnancy.
We work with massage therapists who are specifically trained in Pregnancy Massage. If you are pregnant and over 12 weeks, please select Pregnancy Massage from the treatment styles offered in our online booking system and then our specially trained therapist who cover your area will be shown.
When Shouldnt 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.
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What Does Pregnancy Massage Include
Prenatal massages differ from regular massages, and simply having a regular massage whilst pregnant does not make it a prenatal massage. Some of the main differences between a regular massage and a prenatal massage include:
- In prenatal massages, you will likely be asked to lay on your side, opposed to laying on your stomach as this reduces unnecessary pressure on the stomach and doesnt disturb blood flow to the baby
- Prenatal massage techniques are different to that of regular massages. Deep tissue massage is not given to pregnant women, as there is potential for blood clots to occur as a result.
Massage During Pregnancy: Is It Safe
If youve ever received a massage before, you know that they can be relaxing for the body and provide benefits for your emotional state as well. Since pregnancy can be physically and emotionally taxing, it stands to reason that many women may seek out some massage therapy as a way to deal with all the stress on their body and mind.You may have some questions about the safety of massages since you are making decisions about not just your health. Can you start massage therapy when you find out youre pregnant? Are there any benefits to getting prenatal massage? These are just a few of the questions you may have before you start letting someone rub out those knots in your aching back.
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What Is Deep Tissue Massage And Why You Should Do It
Deep tissue massage during pregnancy may require modifications to the strong pressure and long strokes used in traditional massage methods. In some cases, a massage can leave you sore for a day or two following your session.
Massage therapists use pressure points to release tension, particularly in areas that you choose to focus on during your appointment. For example, if you have leg pain, your therapist may focus on that area of the body while lower back pain requires a different technique.
To get settled in and relaxed, you can light a Cradle & Tonic pregnancy candle designed to alleviate morning sickness, insomnia and fatigue. Breathing in the lavender and lemon scent can put you in a positive mindset to fully relax and absorb all the benefits of a nurturing massage while pregnant.
Can A Massage Make You Have A Miscarriage
Because so many massage therapists will not massage a woman during her first trimester, many mamas wonder if a prenatal massage can trigger a miscarriage.
There are no studies to suggest a direct correlation between massage and miscarriage.
In fact, most miscarriages are not caused by anything Mama did or didnt do.
Massage is not causative in a miscarriage. Elaine Stillerman, a licensed massage therapist
Stillerman isnt the only massage therapist who argues that massages are beneficial during pregnancy. Author Leslie Stager writes that, while deep abdominal massages are not safe during pregnancy, nurturing energy work and soothing, gentle massage can still be beneficial.
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