Prenatal Massage Therapy
A professional massage can melt away your aches and pain along with giving you an overall improved mind and body experience. Well, prenatal massage is no different in the results area. Except that maybe it is even more of a relief with all the extra aches, pains, and swelling pregnancy can bring with it. Research shows prenatal massage can be a helpful treatment in a women’s prenatal care.
Here are some common questions and answers about prenatal massage.
Are Massages Safe for Pregnant Women?
Some practitioners will advise expecting mothers to wait until the second trimester of pregnancy before giving prenatal massage a go. As long as you receive the ok from your doc and let the therapist know you are expecting, prenatal massage is typically safe at any stage of pregnancy. Expecting mothers should not lie on their back after the fourth month of pregnancy. When lying on your back circulation to your placenta is reduced and blood flow can be compressed from the weight of the baby and uterus.
Most massage therapists can work on a pregnant woman, however, not all therapists have the bed equipped just for expectant mothers. There is no specific certification for prenatal massage, but there are maternal massage trainings that a therapist can attend. You should schedule with an experienced prenatal massage therapist, as they will know which areas require attention and how you should be positioned. Call or text to schedule a prenatal massage for yourself or an expecting mother you know at Drivenfit today at (813) 440-3016.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
What are the benefits of prenatal massage? Well, just like a regular massage, prenatal massage has a list of benefits to your mind and body. Prenatal massage can:
- reduce stress hormones
- relax your muscles
- increase blood flow
- flush out toxins from your body
Some other ailments that may be reduced with prenatal massage can include relief from insomnia, joint pain, neck and back pain, leg cramping, and sciatica. Additionally, it can relieve carpal tunnel pain, and alleviate headaches and sinus congestion, and reduce swelling in your hands and feet. Massage can also reduce depression and anxiety, which are extremely important during pregnancy. Check out some of the other massages we offer at Drivenfit here.
Prenatal Massage Differences
Curious to know how it differs from massages you may have had before?
During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes, and prenatal massages are adapted for that. The positioning will be different with a prenatal massage. Unless there is a special belly bed at your massage therapist you will not be lying on your tummy. Whereas the majority of the time during your traditional massage will be spent lying face down. During your second and third trimester, you should not lie on your back so your prenatal massage is typically done on your side with cushions for support.
Deep tissue work on your legs during a prenatal massage is not recommended because blood clots are more easily formed during pregnancy. While gentle pressure is applied to the legs you can choose a more intense pressure on other areas. If you feel any pain or discomfort, let your therapist know so they can adjust what they are doing.
Indulge in a Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy massage varies and can include anything from a full–body Swedish massage to light massage work. These other modalities such as circulatory work, reflexology, or cranial sacral therapy are all very helpful forms of therapy. Massage is a wonderful way to help alleviate many of these discomforts during pregnancy, as well as promotes a sense of well-being.
Call or text to schedule a prenatal massage for yourself or an expecting mother you know at Drivenfit today at (813) 440-3016.
*Always check with your doctor before scheduling your prenatal massage. If you have morning sickness, preeclampsia, diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, a contagious virus, abdominal pain or bleeding you should avoid prenatal massage. Call us with any questions.
