Do prenatal massages actually help?
Massage therapy has been demonstrated to be effective during pregnancy. The women reported decreased depression, anxiety, and leg and back pain. Depressed pregnant women given the pregnancy massage experienced fewer prenatal complications. 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.While there’s no scientific data showing that a foot massage during pregnancy can prompt labor, anecdotal evidence suggests massaging the Achilles tendon can stimulate contractions, though the link is unclear. Delalay says, to be safe, avoiding the ankle during the first trimester is a good idea.Most health professionals recommend that a pregnancy massage is safest after the first trimester. Due to increased health risks during this period and the heightened risk of miscarriage, the increased blood flow stimulated by massages could be potentially harmful for some women.Prenatal massage shouldn’t cause any discomfort. We’re not looking to dig in deep,” she adds. Also, unlike a traditional massage, prenatal massages are typically done while you lie on your side. Some pregnancy-specific props can help keep you comfortable and make sure your body is properly aligned.
What to wear to a pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage can be performed with as much or as little clothing as you’re comfortable wearing – it’s always a personal decision. Usually we recommend that you keep underwear on, and we use towels for coverage so only the parts that are being massaged are exposed. The safest position for a pregnancy massage is a supported side-lying or semi-reclined position. Use plenty of pillows under the head, between the knees, another between the ankles, and along the belly to help relieve back pressure. Make sure she does not lie on her back.Maternity care provider clinicians have been aware for many decades that maternal supine position and pregnancy are not a good mix. This is probably because when the woman lies on her back the gravid uterus is known to compress the inferior vena cava (Kerr et al.
What are the disadvantages of pregnancy massage?
If you’re pregnant and have blood clots, deep pressure can potentially dislodge them,” Hill warns. Deep pressure can also negatively affect your blood pressure while you’re pregnant. Side-lying: Lying on your stomach or back raises the risk of low blood pressure and could put pressure on your nerves. It puts the weight of your uterus on your spine and back muscles. In the second and third trimesters, lying on your back may compress a major blood vessel that takes blood to your uterus, making you feel dizzy and possibly reducing blood flow to your fetus.
Which part of the body cannot be massaged during pregnancy?
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. 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 have any of the following issues, talk to your doctor before getting a prenatal massage at any point in your pregnancy: High blood pressure that isn’t controlled by medication. High-risk pregnancy concerns, such congenital heart disease or preeclampsia. Recent injury or surgery.The types of structures that are vulnerable in an area of caution may include arteries, veins, nerves, bursae, lymph nodes or vessels, or small and fragile bones. Examples of areas of caution for massage include the popliteal space behind the knee, the anterior cervical region, and the axillary region.
Can my husband massage my breasts during pregnancy?
Ways to Care for Breasts during Pregnancy In case of any uterine inertia and labor extension to pose a risk to the infant during the delivery, breast massage is a good way to enhance the uterine contraction and end the labor as soon as possible to reduce infant complications. 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.During pregnancy, we would recommend avoiding massage of the abdomen, perineum and the SP6 area, which is a spot located three fingers above the inside ankle bone. Gentle massage can be applied to most areas of the body, but some pressure points must be avoided.
What is the best time to get a pregnancy massage?
Spanning weeks 13 to 27, this stage is widely considered the ideal time for prenatal massage, as the risk of miscarriage has significantly reduced and the baby bump is not yet large enough to restrict positioning or movement. Prenatal massage during this period offers a range of physical and emotional benefits. On average, a 30 to 60-minute prenatal massage session can cost between $60 and $100 or more. While most insurance plans do not cover prenatal massage, it’s worth checking to see if your plan offers any discounts or coverage for medically necessary massages.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.