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Prenatal Massage

Prenatal Massage: A Safe and Effective Way to Ease Pregnancy Discomforts

Prenatal Massage | Pregnancy Massage | Jenna Birtch

Massage is increasingly gaining popularity as pregnant women begin recognizing the benefits prenatal massage has to offer women during pregnancy. Back pain is one of the more common side effects of pregnancy. Back pain can continue throughout pregnancy and even after. If you have to carry around other small children you may find your symptoms exacerbated during pregnancy.

Prenatal massage is a type of massage therapy that is specifically designed for pregnant women. It can help to alleviate some of the physical and emotional discomforts that come with pregnancy, such as back pain, swelling, and anxiety. As more and more women recognize the benefits of prenatal massage, it is becoming an increasingly popular form of self-care during pregnancy.

Fortunately massage while you are pregnant can help relieve back pain associated with muscular tension. Here are just a few of the other benefits prenatal massage has to offer:

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage has numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby, including:

  1. Reduced muscle tension and pain: As the baby grows, it can put pressure on the mother’s muscles and joints, causing discomfort and pain. Prenatal massage can help reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain.

  2. Improved circulation: Pregnancy can cause fluid retention and swelling, especially in the legs and feet. Prenatal massage can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.

  3. Reduced stress and anxiety: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and prenatal massage can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and releasing feel-good hormones like oxytocin.

  4. Improved sleep: Prenatal massage can help improve sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

  5. Better pregnancy outcomes: Studies have shown that regular prenatal massage can lead to better birth outcomes, including lower rates of preterm labor and low birth weight.

Is Prenatal Massage Safe?

Yes, prenatal massage is generally considered safe for most pregnant women. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before getting a prenatal massage, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any medical conditions.

It is vital however that you seek the assistance of a qualified professional who offers massage during pregnancy. Massaging the wrong areas or focusing on certain acupressure points may actually trigger uterine contractions in some women. Fortunately Registered Massage Therapists trained in prenatal massage know exactly what areas to avoid and what areas to focus on to provide pregnant women the most benefits during a massage therapy session. Toward the end of your pregnancy you might consider a prenatal massage to relax you during labor or even help strengthen your contractions!

Before signing up for a massage you might check in with your healthcare provider to be sure your doctor approves massage in your condition. Most physicians will gladly recommend a massage, but may recommend the massage therapist avoid massaging your lower back or abdomen.

Whether you’re in your first, second or third trimester, you can probably benefit from a soothing prenatal massage.

Techniques used during the massage.

Massage therapists use a variety of techniques to help alleviate the discomforts of pregnancy. Some common techniques include Swedish massage, which uses long strokes and kneading to promote relaxation and improve circulation; deep tissue massage, which targets deeper layers of muscle tissue to release tension and knots; and acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote relaxation. It’s important to communicate with your therapist about any discomfort or concerns you may have during the session.

Please see the article in Canadian Family titled: “Top 4 Soothing Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Please see the blog by Jenna Birtch, RMT titled:  “Benefits of Massage for Pregnant WomenPrenatal Massage Therapy | Jenna Birtch