What week of pregnancy is best for massage?
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. When Can You Get a Prenatal Massage? The answer to this will likely depend on your individual circumstances. According to Field, you can get a prenatal massage at any point in pregnancy, even early on. In fact, a massage in the first trimester may be particularly helpful if you have morning sickness.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.You can still massage your breasts during the pregnancy, excluding the two special periods of early pregnancy (first trimester) and late pregnancy (third trimester).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.If you’re getting a massage in late pregnancy, the massage therapist may offer to apply pressure to certain points on your body that are thought to bring on labor. Studies have not shown that this actually induces labor, but to be on the safe side it’s better to wait until you are at least 39 weeks pregnant to try.
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 best position for a massage while you’re pregnant is lying on your side, rather than facedown. Some massage tables have a cut-out for the belly, allowing you to lie facedown comfortably. Tell your massage therapist that you’re pregnant if you’re not showing yet.Second Trimester (14-27 weeks) This is the optimal time for prenatal massage—your morning sickness has likely subsided, and the body is starting to experience some pregnancy discomfort. Prenatal massages can help with lower back pain, leg cramps, and swelling in the feet and ankles.The first trimester carries an increased risk of miscarriage, and some therapists are concerned that the increased blood flow during a massage might be harmful. Second, there are pressure points in the body that are thought to initiate contractions or potentially induce labor.Additionally, your pregnant body should be positioned and supported differently than a non-pregnant person’s — for your comfort and so that your baby is safe in utero. During your massage, you should be lying on your side — not your back or stomach — or sitting upright or in a semi-reclining position.Instead, therapists should opt for side lying, semi-prone, or sitting positions with supportive pillows. These pillows are essential for comfort and accessibility during the massage. Modern pregnancy pillows, such as U-shaped ones, support the abdomen while allowing comfortable side lying positioning.
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. 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.The main difference between prenatal and regular massages is the person performing them. Massage therapists trained for prenatal massages know what to and not to do when massaging a pregnant woman. Prenatal massages are gentler and specially adapted to the needs of a pregnant body.Techniques range from gentle stroking to rubbing in lines or circles, and even squeezing. While regular massages are often done with a lot of deep pressure, pregnancy massages are much gentler. You can have full body massages, back massages, foot massages, head and scalp massages – the full range of treatments.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.Absolutely! Studies have shown that, when you receive a relaxing prenatal massage, the body naturally secretes endorphins. These “feel good” hormones traverse the placenta and ultimately soothe and relax your baby.
What is the best massage to get while pregnant?
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. 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.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.Foot massage during pregnancy Your partner can still massage your feet, as long as they’re careful to avoid the ankle area. Note that in acupressure, the flat side of the heel is linked to the lower back and glutes, while applying pressure to the space under your big toe can help relieve neck pain.Similarly, it is a good idea to avoid home massage during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. There could be risk of miscarriage if certain pressure points are activated and massage can put a strain on the uterine ligaments.Massaging certain points, particularly on the ankles, feet, and hands, induces labor. Therapists need to avoid these areas during pregnancy, especially before full term, and to consult only trained professionals.
Can I get a massage at 37 weeks pregnant?
As a general rule of thumb, antenatal massage can benefit you throughout your pregnancy with monthly appointments until around 27 weeks, then twice monthly appointments from around 27 weeks to 36 weeks, and weekly appointments from 36 weeks until you give birth. Yes, pregnancy massage is generally considered safe from the second trimester onwards. Experts recommend monthly massages until week 27, then twice monthly massages until week 36. Weekly massages are then recommended up to your due date to relieve late-stage pregnancy symptoms.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.Prenatal therapy can benefit a woman throughout the pregnancy. However, massage during the first three months can trigger dizziness and add to morning sickness. Generally pregnant women can go for therapy once a month until 27 weeks and then twice up to 36 weeks.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.
Where not to massage in pregnancy?
Safety considerations through the 3 trimesters: Only apply or allow gentle strokes on your abdomen or around your bump. Avoid deep tissue massage in legs and upper arms. This is because pregnancy increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which, sometimes, may not be easily recognised. Second Trimester (14-27 weeks) This is the optimal time for prenatal massage—your morning sickness has likely subsided, and the body is starting to experience some pregnancy discomfort. Prenatal massages can help with lower back pain, leg cramps, and swelling in the feet and ankles.Massage your wife’s shoulders and neck, back, scalp, and legs to relieve soreness and discomfort. Clear massages with your wife’s doctor first, and avoid doing them in the first trimester. Don’t massage her belly directly. Use long, smooth strokes, keeping your hands flat as you work.The cause of the continuous movement of the fetus is because there are positive stimuli from the outside that make the mother relax. By doing pregnancy massage, it can reduce tension in the back and relieve stiff muscles, which will increase placental blood flow for the mother and fetus.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.You can start any time from 34 weeks of your pregnancy. The massage can be done by yourself or by your partner if you are comfortable with this. After a bath or shower the perineum will be more comfortable to touch because blood vessels in the area will be dilated. You will also be more relaxed.