Pregnancy massages

If you liked massages before you were pregnant, you may want to consider them while you are pregnant too. And, if you’ve never tried having a massage, now might be the time to start.

There are many reasons to have a massage. Some people like to have them to relax, others use them to help relieve pain from muscle tension, and sometimes it just seems like the right thing to do. When you’re pregnant, you could easily fall into any of those categories and if a massage makes you feel good, do you really need an excuse?

A pregnancy or prenatal massage is different from a "regular" one. After all, lying on your stomach on a massage table when you’re seven months pregnant is not a comfortable or relaxing thing to do for most women. But even in the early months, massages are different because of the changing body and some risks that aren’t there normally.

A gentle massage around your belly, your hips and pelvis can help relax the muscles that may be tightening up as well.

Since massaging a pregnant woman is different, you need to look for someone who knows how to do prenatal massage. Pressing on the wrong trigger points could cause discomfort or even begin contractions, due to acupressure. As well, usually massaging of the lower back is discouraged.

If you do want to find someone, start by asking your OB/GYN or someone in the office; they may have someone they refer to. And, if you really like how it helps you feel,  you may even want to consider arranging for massage while you’re in labor. Some women find that it’s very helpful in relaxing and getting through the contractions.

Who shouldn’t get a prenatal massage?

Women who have a history of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), blood clots, shouldn’t have their legs massaged. Others who should not have a massage are those who may be in premature or early labor, are at risk of miscarrying, have eclampsia, or gestational diabetes. If there is any doubt, if there is bleeding, abdominal pain, severe back pain, anything out of the ordinary, always get a doctor’s ok before having a massage.

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Tags: pregnancy blog, prenatal massage, pregnancy massage, eclampsia, miscarrying, premature labor, early labor