Should a pregnant woman get a massage?
The answer is: Generally, yes. Massage therapy during pregnancy has been shown to provide many benefits, including a sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep. But certain techniques and trigger points in the body can cause contractions and premature labor, so seeking expertise is vital. Yes, pregnancy massages are safe for both you and baby. The NHS states that pregnancy massage is one of the safe complementary therapies you can use during pregnancy. However, it’s generally advised to avoid pregnancy massage in your first trimester, especially if you have a history of miscarriages.During a pregnancy massage, gentle and soothing techniques must be used to avoid excessive pressure on sensitive areas. Some standard techniques include Swedish massage, gentle kneading, circular motions, and light stretching.The first trimester is also the critical time when your baby’s major organs are developing. Some healthcare professionals and massage therapists don t recommend mothers take the risk of having a massage during this important period.Your body is tired and sore, and your mind is racing with anxious thoughts—nothing a soothing massage couldn’t cure. But can you get a massage while pregnant? The answer is a resounding yes.Swedish Massage is the recommended massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts.
Is a pregnancy massage worth it?
For many, this massage is worth it when provided by trained therapists. Evidence shows it reduces back, hip, and leg pain, swelling, stress, headaches, and sleep disturbances. Sessions use side-lying or semi-reclined positioning with cushions to protect circulation and comfort. The optimal lying position is on your left side and, for massage, ideally with plenty of pillows to keep your legs, hips, back and neck supported. You can lie on your back for short periods of time and communicate with your therapist/partner if you begin to feel unwell.As your pregnancy progresses, the best positions are sitting on a chair or stool or lying on your side. The left side is best later in pregnancy. After 12 weeks of pregnancy (or much earlier if you are carrying twins or more), avoid lying on your belly. After your fourth month of pregnancy, avoid lying on your back.
Where to not massage while pregnant?
Safe Techniques for Pregnancy Massage Use gentle, flowing strokes and avoid massaging the ankles, SP-06, and urinary bladder 60. Use caution when massaging the lower back and avoid deep pressure massage. To be safe, pregnancy massage experts avoid deep massage and strong pressure on the legs. Using strong pressure could dislodge a blood clot. Instead, they use very light, slow strokes on the legs.Certain areas of the body should be avoided during massage if there are injuries, inflammation, or conditions such as varicose veins. Areas like the abdomen during pregnancy, broken bones, and open wounds should also not be massaged.While the second trimester is often considered the most ideal time due to increased stability and reduced discomfort, prenatal massage can offer valuable benefits across all stages of pregnancy when performed by a qualified practitioner and with appropriate precautions.Experts stay safe by avoiding pressure points associated with the pelvis, wrists, hands, and ankles. Due to the risk of blood clots during pregnancy it is also important to avoid deep tissue massage in the legs. During massage, the pregnant woman should provide feedback on the pressure and level of discomfort.
How many weeks pregnant can you get a prenatal massage?
Hill says most pregnancy providers usually recommend waiting until the beginning of the second trimester (12 weeks pregnant and beyond) to get a prenatal massage. Waiting until you’re out of your first trimester is advisable,” Hill says. When expectant mothers rub their bellies, their babies often respond with distinct and measurable reactions. Studies show that fetuses display increased movement, particularly in their arms, heads, and mouths, when responding to maternal touch.Massage can help to move the baby and make for a much more comfortable pregnancy for both mother and baby. Prenatal massage can even help encourage a breech baby to turn in their own time and can help relieve the pressure that comes with babies and being pregnant.Babies enjoy the massage so try to make it a habit. Even in the womb, a newborn is sensitive to touch. Your baby will detect your touch from about week twenty, and caressing your bump will soothe its nervous system. According to research, a foetus may even identify between the touches of its parents.Unborn Babies Respond to Mother’s Touch. If you watch a new mom and her baby, it’s easy to see that the little one responds to mother’s touch. That responsiveness actually begins before birth. Researchers in Scotland compared fetal responses when pregnant women spoke to their babies or rubbed their bellies.
Can my husband massage my breasts during pregnancy?
You can still massage your breasts during the pregnancy, excluding the two special periods of early pregnancy (first trimester) and late pregnancy (third trimester). Can a prenatal massage induce labour? There’s no evidence to suggest that massage can induce labour, though massage is associated with a release of oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions. Sounds like a good enough excuse to book something in at the end of your pregnancy!Pregnant women are encouraged to wear their underwear during a prenatal massage. However, you will be asked to remove any bras that may cause discomfort or irritation on your back and shoulders while lying down for the duration of your session.The second trimester, Weeks 13–27: Perfect time for a massage. Generally speaking, this is the most pleasant and safest time to get a pregnancy massage. The danger of miscarriage lowers, and frequent bodily discomforts start to show up, so massage becomes even more helpful than it ever has.Gentle massage can be applied to most areas of the body, but some pressure points must be avoided. Experts stay safe by avoiding pressure points associated with the pelvis, wrists, hands, and ankles. Due to the risk of blood clots during pregnancy it is also important to avoid deep tissue massage in the legs.Some pregnancy-specific props can help keep you comfortable and make sure your body is properly aligned. That can include things like pillows and firm cushions (bolsters) to help keep you comfortable. Prenatal massages generally last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
How does massage affect my baby?
Massaging the baby can have a calming effect and encourage bone growth, stimulate movement and coordination of the limbs, and increase the baby’s weight. Research has shown that massage therapy can help improve and stimulate infant motor development. The answer is: Generally, yes. Massage therapy during pregnancy has been shown to provide many benefits, including a sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep. But certain techniques and trigger points in the body can cause contractions and premature labor, so seeking expertise is vital.Safe Techniques for Pregnancy Massage Use gentle, flowing strokes and avoid massaging the ankles, SP-06, and urinary bladder 60. Use caution when massaging the lower back and avoid deep pressure massage.It’s likely safe for you to get a massage while you’re pregnant, whether it’s from your partner or a professional. Just make sure you chat with your doctor before you get one. You should also avoid lying on your back or stomach while you receive the massage, and probably opt for a lighter (versus deep tissue) touch.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.Massage therapy reduces pain in pregnant women, alleviates prenatal depression in both parents and improves their relationships.