For centuries Pregnancy massage has been performed in several different cultures. Many women get massages through their entire pregnancy and continue for up to six weeks after the birth. It is not hard to understand why, as Pregnancy Massage has been proven to reduce anxiety and pain, increase blood circulation and lower blood pressure.
Pregnancy Massage is not truly understood. There are a lot of myths about what can and can’t be done during pregnancy. Here are a few common myths.
Pregnancy Massage: The Myths
Pregnant women can’t get massaged during the 1st trimester.
Not true. Many people think that you cannot because the risk of miscarriage is greater during this time. The fact is that there are no studies to suggest that a miscarriage would happen because of massage at any time during pregnancy. However, massage should be scheduled after your first pregnancy check up.
Pregnant woman should never have their feet or ankles massaged.
Not true. There are many known acupressure points around the ankles and feet. These points may stimulate uterine activity or encourage labor progress. It is possible to massage over and around them without stimulating the points. It is important to note that these points can assist in labor and do not need to be avoided during that stage.
Pregnant women can lay face down on the table as long as there is a whole for the belly.
Not true. The only time a pregnant woman can lay face down on the table is during the 1st trimester and only with precaution. During pregnancy the body will release a hormone called relaxin. It allows all the ligaments to become stretchy to provide for expansion and birth. It is not appropriate to put any extra stress on any of the joints or ligaments. At Hands Naturally massage is performed in the side-lying and semi-reclining positions.
Pregnancy Massage: Common Questions
Is massage good for the baby?
Yes. Research is ongoing in the area but studies have suggested that the baby benefits just as the mom. Massaged women had fewer complications during labor and fewer premature babies.1 This may be because massage reduces the stress related hormone. Whatever the reason, massage can reduce anxiety and contribute to the nurturing maternal behavior that comes with being pregnant.2
How often should a pregnant woman get massaged?
Everybody is different. I would suggest once a month during the 1st trimester depending on the personal circumstances, and then increasing the amount as the pregnancy progresses or as needed. Some women in the third trimester come in once a week. Receiving massage up to or past the due date can also be beneficial.
Pregnancy massage can be a part of your prenatal care. It is suggested that regular checkups with your Practitioner be maintained. Massage is not meant to replace any medical health professional but more to supplement your prenatal care. Please contact your Licensed Massage Therapist with any questions.
Field, Diego, Hart, Theakston, Schanberg, Kuhn and Burman. 1999 Pregnant woman benefit from massage therapy. Journal of Psychosmatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 20 31-38.
Carolyn Osborne-Sheets, C., 1998. Pre and Perinatal Massage Therapy. 1st ed., San Diego: Body Therapy Associates.
