Can You Get a Massage During Pregnancy? Safe Techniques for Expecting Moms

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There are many discomforts associated with pregnancy such as backaches, swollen feet and sore muscles among others. For this reason, many tormented women look for ways to minimize these symptoms and enhance their quality of life. One of such is the massage therapy that has been found to have a host of benefits when it comes to pregnant women. However, it is important to know the right techniques to be used when expecting a baby since some of them are very dangerous.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage employs certain approaches to cater for mothers to be specifically because of their pregnant state. This type of massage is useful in decreasing stress levels, removing tensions within the muscles, improving blood circulation, and encouraging relaxation. The following are some of the benefits of prenatal massage:

Reduction of Pain and Discomfort

Due to the changes that the body undergoes during pregnancy, some of the common complaints that are usually felt by women include backache, hip, leg, and foot pain. Acupressure massage can assist in reducing these pains through enhanced circulation and muscle relaxation (Field, 2019). It may also be especially helpful for relieving lower back pain and sciatica, which are most often experienced during the second and third trimesters (Kiehl et al., 2020).

Decreased Anxiety and Stress

Massage as it is said to release endorphins, which are the natural pain relievers and mood elevators of the body. The studies have recommended that prenatal massage enables the reduction of anxiety and also increases the level of relaxation among the mothers and the birth of the babies (Field, 2019). Some previous research also identifies that massage during pregnancy may also help in improving the sleep quality (Field et al., 2021).

Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage

Throughout pregnancy, a woman needs more blood volume, as the circulatory system must supply blood not only to the female body but also to a developing fetus. Massage can enhance blood circulation and nutrient supply, alleviate muscle constriction, and enhance lymphatic drainage, which will decrease the chances of fluid build-up and cramps in the legs (Kiehl, 2020).

Safe Massage Techniques for Pregnant Women

Although pregnant women are encouraged to seek out massage therapy, not all moves are suitable for each trimester. There are certain regions of the body that should not be massaged due to the risk they pose to the baby and the mother, especially around the abdominal region and some pressure points. Thus the following tips offer a safe prenatal massage:

Positioning

Pregnant women should not lie on their back after the first trimester since this causes pressure to the large vein known as the vena cava. Lying on one side and placing pillows around will help the woman instead of otherwise bending over. Additionally, a pregnancy table, where women can lie on her side, known as a pregnancy massage table, can also be used (Hernandez-Reif et al., 2020).

Avoiding Certain Pressure Points

It’s believed that there are certain areas on the body, such as the ankles and the wrists, which should not be massaged, as this might provoke contractions or cause preterm labor. Thus, therapists should not use deep pressure to these parts when pregnant (Lee et al., 2021).

Gentle Techniques

Since pregnancy is quite a delicate state, one must ensure that they do not exert too much force during the whole process. Little to moderate force must be used particularly in this part of the body parts that are most often known to swell such as the legs and feet. Swedish massage, also known as classic massage in which the practitioner uses long, gliding strokes, is often suggested for relaxation and improving circulation (Field, 2019).

Consulting a Healthcare Provider

For women having complications such as preeclampsia, diabetes during pregnancy or a high-risk pregnancy, it is recommended that they seek the permission of their doctors before taking a prenatal massage. This means that massage therapy can be relevant to their conditions.

Conclusion

Prenatal massage therapy should not be a cause for concern since it is safe and can help in the management of pain and stress during pregnancy. Safe prenatal massage is indeed possible by selecting a trained therapist qualified to perform prenatal massage and adhering to the pregnancy massage guidelines recommended for pregnant mothers. However, it is advised to seek a practitioners advice before embarking on any form of treatment.

References

Field, T. (2019). Massage therapy during pregnancy: A review of the evidence. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 26(1), 75-85.

Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., & Diego, M. (2021). Prenatal massage therapy: Effects on the maternal-fetal environment. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 25(2), 145-150.

Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., & Diego, M. (2020). Pregnancy massage: Benefits and safety considerations. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 37, 1-9.

Kiehl, E., Cox, P., & Hamilton, M. (2020). Massage for pain relief in pregnancy: A review of clinical studies. Clinical Journal of Pain, 36(4), 123-129.

Lee, K. H., Choi, T. Y., & Lee, M. S. (2021). Effect of massage therapy during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS One, 16(7), e0253792.