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Prenatal Massage Questions?
What are the benefits of pregnancy massage?
Regular massage therapy can be beneficial in helping the mother transition comfortably between trimesters, and through labor and during delivery. Massage therapy during pregnancy is not intended to replace appropriate medical care, but when used in conjunction with regular prenatal visits some benefits are:
- Promotes relaxation through the release of emotional and physical tension.
- Helps to reduce stress on joints and over-stretched muscles.
- Increases blood and lymph circulation which can help reduce swelling .
- Helps maintain skin elasticity to ease uncomfortable tightness.
- Encourages deeper, easier breathing.
- Helps to develop sensory awareness and relaxation techniques necessary to be an active and responsive participant in the birth experience.
Can regular massage therapy benefit me during delivery?
Yes. Regular massage helps to prepare the body for delivery by loosening the pelvis and ridding the body of excess tension prior to the onset of labor. Massage can also help you learn relaxation skills valuable during labor.
What can I expect during the massage?
During your session you will be comfortably supported in a modified supine (upright) position and/or a side-lying position using specific bolsters or cushioning. Your modesty and comfort is of great importance so only the body part being worked on is exposed. The room will be quiet and comfortable and yes it is perfectly fine to interrupt the massage to use the restroom if needed. However, for maximum comfort, avoid heavy eating and drinking for two hours before your session.
Is pregnancy Massage Safe?
When done by a certified pregnancy massage therapist, pregnancy massage is a safe and natural method of relieving the aches and pains of pregnancy. A certified pregnancy massage therapist is specifically trained to understand all of the changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy and best of all they know how to relieve the common discomforts associated with these changes.
Can massage cause a miscarriage?
NO. Miscarriage can be caused by any number of factors, and appropriately applied massage in not one of these factors. If you have any concerns or questions, contact the therapist or talk to your OBGYN.
What if I am considered high risk?
Medium to high-risk pregnancies are not excluded from the benefits of massage therapy. In many cases all that is needed is written consent from your physician in which case a customized session is created just for you to ensure the safety of you and your baby. If you are in the medium to high risk category discuss your desire for massage therapy with your physician first then contact the therapist for your first consultation/appointment.
Can I have a massage if I am in my first trimester?
Yes. One of the main reasons women chose not to have massage in their first trimester is due to morning sickness, fatigue or nausea. Massage in the first trimester is ideal for women who need to relax, ease fears and take a break from hormonal changes running rampant through their body. In the first trimester, the session is a more nurturing, relaxing session; deeper work is usually done only in the second and third trimester. It is recommended that if you seek massage in your first trimester that you wait until after your first pre-natal visit with your OBGYN to assure that you are not in any risk categories that would require a customized session.
What about abdominal massage?
Abdominal massage in the second and third trimester is safe. Although most women enjoy this type of massage and find it to have a profound nurturing/relaxing effect on both the mother and baby there are some women are not comfortable with abdominal massage, which is perfectly fine. Therefore abdominal massage is only performed at the request or invitation of the client.
Scheduling your first appointment:
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for your first session. You will be asked to fill out an intake sheet that includes specific questions regarding your pregnancy and health. Filling out an intake sheet is required for all clients but pregnant client must provide a little more detail. This is also a good time for you to ask the therapist any questions you may have regarding the session.
What if I still have questions?
If you still have questions, feel free to contact the therapist by phone or schedule a consultation before your session.
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