Pregnancy Massage

 

Massage during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience.  Massage therapy enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue. Massage during pregnancy is usually safe for most mothers. 

Your massage therapist will want to know if you are having any problems or complications with your  pregnancy before you begin. If you are, then your therapist will require approval from your primary health care provider before proceeding with any bodywork.

Areas to avoid

  • Areas of the body that should not be massaged include:
  • skin rashes, open sores, bruises;
  • inflammation;
  • raised or distended varicose veins;
  • local infection sites

Massage can be performed anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour, depending on how much time you have and how much discomfort you are experiencing. Once a week during the second trimester is great, and twice a week or more, during the third trimester is wonderful.

I have found that my pregnant clients appreciate their massage therapy appointments because they know relief is at hand. They look forward to their weekly appointments to ease recurring problems, such as sciatica, leg cramps, and back and round ligament pain.

I hope pregnancy massage eases any discomfort you may be feeling, too.

Benefits of prenatal massage include:

  • emotional support and nurturing touch
  • relaxation and decreased insomnia;
  • stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, lower back and pelvis;
  • neck and back pain relief caused by muscle imbalance and weakness;
  • assistance in maintaining proper posture;
  • preparing the muscles used during childbirth;
  • reduced swelling in hands and feet;
  • lessened sciatic pain;
  • fewer calf cramps;
  • headache and sinus congestion relief.

Contraindications

The following are circumstances in which massage should not be performed

  • heavy discarge (watery or bloody);
  • diabetes;
  • contagious illness;
  • fever;
  • vomiting;
  • unusual pain;
  • preeclampsia;
  • high blood pressure;
  • morning sickness;
  • abdominal pain;
  • diarrhea;
  • any malignant condition.

Massage can be performed anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour, depending on how much time you have and how much discomfort you are experiencing. Once a week during the second trimester is great, and twice a week or more, during the third trimester is wonderful.

I have found that my pregnant clients appreciate their massage therapy appointments because they know relief is at hand. They look forward to their weekly appointments to ease recurring problems, such as sciatica, leg cramps, and back and round ligament pain.

I hope pregnancy massage eases any discomfort you may be feeling, too.