Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy Massage also known as Pre-natal massage or Post-natal massage.
Pregnancy Massage also known as Pre-natal massage provide emotional support , provides relaxation by relieving joints pain, eases neck and back pain, helps to keep good posture help keep blood flowing to both the mother and the baby
Why get a Pregnancy Massage?
During pregnancy, the weight has shifted drastically in a woman's body. Weight has been added to the belly, which puts a large strain on the back. Pregnancy can also be a very stressful time emotionally. Massage, both before and after birth, can help relieve these strains in an extremely comfortable way.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage include:
Tranquil relaxation and reduce stress.
Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs.
Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling.
Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
​
Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pain.
Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.
Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering.
Pregnancy Massage differs from a regular massage in a couple of ways. The biggest way it differs is that the person receiving the massage is pregnant, and therefore knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant woman are very important. This means that positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby she is carrying. There are also parts of the body that should not be massaged.
What does it involve?
One of the most popular forms of pregnancy massage uses the principles based on Swedish massage techniques. This is because of its particular benefits in reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
Some massage therapists use aromatherapy oils and burn incense to heighten the sensory experience. There is however, a range of oils which need to be avoided as they can prompt uterine contractions. These include oregano, nutmeg, peppermint, thyme, basil, sage and rosemary. You may prefer the massage therapist uses non-scented or very low scented oils.
How much skin you expose during your massage is entirely up to you. Some women are comfortable wearing very little clothing; others want to feel more covered. It is worth bearing in mind though, for you to get the most benefit from your massage, the therapist needs to be able to access as much of your skin surface area as possible.
Benefits of ante-natal massage:
-
When done effectively, helps to reduce stress hormones within a pregnant woman’s body. It also increases the levels of hormones which tend to be low in women who are depressed.
-
It leads to a reduction in anxiety and free floating concerns. There is often an improvement in general mood following a massage.
-
Pregnant women often find a massage rejuvenates their energy because it gives them an opportunity to rest and completely relax.
-
For some pregnant women, massage can relieve nausea and heartburn. In others, it can make these worse.
-
Relieves the everyday discomforts of pregnancy such as an aching neck, sore back, and heaviness in the pelvic bones, leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet and oedema (fluid retention).
-
Leads to muscle relaxation and relief of joint pain. Pregnancy massage can be particularly helpful for women who experience sciatic nerve pain.
-
Builds a sense of connection with another person as well as building a rapport. Many pregnant women experience a change in their intimate relationship with their partner and suffer from being “touch deprived”.
-
Pregnancy massage may improve the progression of labour with better health outcomes for both the mother and her baby. More relaxed mothers may have a lower risk of interventions during labour and birth.
-
Pregnancy massage can provide an opportunity for women to completely stop what they are doing and focus on the pleasure of having someone else do something just for them.
-
Improved sleep due to feeling less muscle tension and generally less uncomfortable.
When to avoid having a pregnancy massage:
-
If your maternity care provider has advised you against it.
-
Some massage therapists have a policy of not doing pregnancy massages within the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. This is because of the increased risk for miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation.
-
If you are in a high risk pregnancy category or have previously had a premature labour.
-
If you have Pregnancy Induced Hypertension e.g. high blood pressure.
-
If you have pre-eclampsia, or sudden swelling with retention of fluid. If you experience severe headaches.
-
If having a pregnancy massage causes you to feel sick, lightheaded, gives you a headache or you don’t enjoy the experience. Don’t feel as if you have to do it just because others feel it’s a good idea. Some women genuinely don’t like being touched and find massages an intrusion of their privacy.
-
If you feel the massage therapist is being too vigorous you need to say so. Ask them to be a little gentler and keep the lines of communication open between you both. This is what is termed a therapeutic relationship and it needs to be working for you both in order to gain maximum benefit.