Pregnancy often brings life transitions and a new set of challenges. During this time, women experience anatomical, physiological and psychological change. It is important to know how massage therapy best helps women who are pregnant – as well as the cautions and contraindications that will help guide every massage session.
Pregnancy massage is highly effective in the relief of:
- Headaches
- Pain due to altered biomechanics (walking/standing patterns)
- Relieves muscle spasms and cramps
- Sciatic pain
- Lower back and pelvic pain
- Instability and pinching around the lower back
- Swelling and fluid retention
- Lack of sleep
Positioning for pregnant clients is important
The side-lying position helps to ensure placental and fetal circulation, and the left side-lying position allows maximum cardiac function and fetal oxygenation. Positioning clients on their back can trigger supine hypotensive syndrome, which can leave them feeling dizzy, weak, nauseated and short of breath when blood pressure drops due to compression of one of our most important veins – the vena cava. Ideally, if you are using a prone pregnancy cushion on the massage table, it should extend the entire length of the table and support the entire body so that the head is not tilting downwards. The belly hole should be adjustable to the woman’s height and size. Towards the third trimester laying prone-or face down can cause excessive force on these ligaments leading to pain and discomfort and place more pressure on the lumbar spine. Additionally, if the woman is suffering from stiffness, sacro-pelvic instability, Round Ligament pain or an excessive anterior tilt of the pelvis, the wrong positioning may only add to the problem that the woman is being treated for.
Is pregnancy massage safe?
It is important to make sure your massage therapist is appropriately trained in pregnancy massage.
A qualified therapist will understand the areas to target and which to avoid. They should avoid pressing certain pressure points and should only use gentle movements on your abdomen (tummy).
A diploma-trained massage therapist is aware of contraindications, physiological changes during pregnancy, conditions, benefits of pregnancy massage and hands on clinical training.
What about first trimester pregnancy massage?
It is possible to receive a massage while you are in your first trimester, provided that your pregnancy is considered ‘normal’ and you do not have any known risk factors that classify you as high risk, such as pre-eclampsia, diabetes, high blood pressure, severe morning sickness or previous history of miscarriage.
If you suspect that you may have any risk factors, it is recommended that you wait until after the first trimester for your first massage, after consultation with your GP or obstetrician.
Pregnancy massage is specific to the needs of each mother-to-be, and keeping the lines of communication open between both mother and therapist is the key to providing a safe and comfortable massage.
Book your pregnancy massage here.
