What week should I get a prenatal massage?
When should 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. Typically, we suggest mothers begin their massage sessions after 28 weeks of pregnancy and the latest by 2 weeks before your estimated delivery date (EDD). This is due to the fact that pregnancy after this period is more stable than in the first trimester.The American Pregnancy Association says that women can begin massage at any point during a pregnancy. However, many prenatal massage therapists will not accept clients until the second trimester of pregnancy.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.It’s true there are certain pressure points that may stimulate the uterus and cause contractions, but an average prenatal massage from a well-trained therapist isn’t going to catapult you into labor.Prenatal massages are gentler and specially adapted to the needs of a pregnant body. It focuses on the points and joints that endure more stress as your tummy grows. All of this is done with gentle pressure to not harm the baby.
How long to wait for a prenatal massage?
It’s important to note that some massage therapists and doctors recommend waiting until the second trimester for massage, especially if you have a history of miscarriage. Always consult your healthcare provider before booking your first prenatal massage. Waiting until you’re out of your first trimester is advisable,” Hill says. Limiting or avoiding massage during early pregnancy when miscarriage rates are highest is considered the safest route. Once your pregnancy is into the second trimester, the more massages the merrier.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.Perineal massage while pregnant From 35 weeks onwards, you or your partner can use daily perineal massage until your baby is born which may reduce your risk of tearing. This is particularly beneficial for first-time mothers. You may choose to ask your partner to help you with this.Safe Techniques for Pregnancy Massage When giving a pregnancy massage, it is important to use safe techniques. 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.
Is 35 weeks too late for prenatal massage?
When proper massage techniques are utilized, it is generally safe to have a massage until the very late stages of pregnancy. At 36 weeks, the body begins to prepare for labor. This could mean increased discomfort but it could also make pressure points more sensitive. Prenatal massages are generally considered safe after the first trimester, as long as you get the green light from your practitioner and you let your massage therapist know you’re pregnant.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.Most people can start perineal massage around week 34 or 35 of pregnancy. Massage the perineum at least once or twice per week, right up to when your baby is born. You or your partner can massage your perineum — this too is your choice. Each session can last up to 5 minutes.Yes, you can still get a foot massage when you’re pregnant. There are certain pressure points that need to be steered clear of if you do get a foot massage to avoid encouraging uterine contractions.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 it safe to get a prenatal massage while pregnant?
Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester. Many facilities will refuse to offer massage to a woman who is still in her first trimester because of the increased risk for miscarriage associated with the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Waiting until you’re out of your first trimester is advisable,” Hill says. Limiting or avoiding massage during early pregnancy when miscarriage rates are highest is considered the safest route. Once your pregnancy is into the second trimester, the more massages the merrier.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.Safe Techniques for Pregnancy Massage Use gentle, flowing strokes and avoid massaging the ankles, SP-06, and urinary bladder 60.Is it safe to receive prenatal massage as I approach my due date? Not only is it safe, but it is also recommended! As you enter your third trimester you will likely feel more uncomfortable and benefit from regularly scheduled prenatal massages the most.It is important to take the duration of the session into consideration so that the mother isn’t in any one position for too long. A 60 prenatal massage is appropriate, whereas 90 minutes or longer can be overdoing it for the comfort of the client. Prone-only sessions longer than 60 minutes are typically too long.
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). After the third trimester, you can massage your breasts for about ten minutes every day before going to bed and after waking up in the morning. Proper equipment and techniques: A pregnant woman can experience dizziness or increased blood pressure from lying on her stomach or back too long. Offices that specialize in prenatal massage usually have women lie on their sides while propped up with pillows or use tables with cut-outs where their bellies can rest.It’s best to avoid lying on your back, especially in late pregnancy, when the weight of the heavy uterus can press on the large blood vessels in your belly. When lying on your side, keep your body in line, with your knees bent slightly, and avoid twisting.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.Position – During a massage, lie on your right side or your left side, with your weight on your hip. Don’t lie on your back where the weight of the uterus presses on your inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from your lower body back to your heart.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.
Is massage ok in the second trimester?
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. Massage is still safe in the last weeks as long as the therapist modifies techniques to fit your changing blood pressure, weight, and possible contraction tendency. Preferred are shorter session times, side-lying postures, and lower-pressure approaches.
Can I lay on my back for a massage while pregnant?
Lying on your side with a pillow to support your belly is usually the preferred and safest option. However, in early pregnancy—before 22 weeks—it’s generally safe for pregnant mothers to lie on their back. After 22 weeks, you should avoid lying flat on your back. For this reason, from 16 weeks onwards, it is best to avoid lying flat on your back (supine position). You can recline back, with your upper body elevated at around 45 degrees, or lie on your side, supported by pillows.