Massage can have many benefits during pregnancy, and it can be safe for most pregnant women. However, all pregnant women should get approval from their health care providers before receiving a massage, and take appropriate precautions to protect the comfort, well-being and safety of their babies and themselves.
Types
There are a number of different types of massage available. The American Pregnancy Association recommends Swedish Massage, since it uses mild pressure to relax muscles that may be affected by pregnancy and improve circulation throughout the body. Pregnant women need to avoid heat, such as hot stone massages or steamy rooms. Becoming overheated can cause less blood flow to the baby as the mother's heart rate increases, and can also damage the baby's developing cells.
Benefits
Massage during pregnancy can reduce muscle pain, including the back aches and joint pain that many pregnant women experience. It can also reduce swelling in the ankles and legs, and improve the circulation of lymph and blood throughout muscles and tissues. Massage can help relieve sciatic nerve pain caused by the growing uterus pressing on key nerves that run throughout the legs. Massage also promotes relaxation and reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body. Many pregnant women find that being relaxed and less achy also helps them sleep at night.
Time Frame
Although many health care providers consider massage to be safe throughout pregnancy, some doctors and massage therapists may recommend waiting until after the first trimester, when the general risk of miscarriage decreases significantly. Also, pregnant women may find that their need for massage increases as their pregnancy progresses and puts more strain on their muscles and nerves. Pregnant women who experience significant aches, pains or swelling or severe stress, may want to receive regular weekly or bi-weekly massages.
Considerations
Pregnant women should take care not to lie on their backs for more than a few minutes, since this can compress major blood vessels and lead to less oxygen for both the mother and baby. Although some massage therapists have tables that are especially designed to accommodate a pregnant woman's abdomen and allow her to lie on her stomach, the American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women lie on their side during massages.
Expert Insight
During pregnancy, it's best to receive massage from a certified prenatal massage therapist. These therapists have additional training in the safety and comfort needs of pregnant women. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has a searchable directory of therapists on their website, linked below, that includes an option for pregnancy massage. OB/GYNs, midwives and similar health care providers may also be able to recommend certified prenatal massage therapists.
Warning
Pregnant women with any complications, including preeclampsia, placental conditions, high blood pressure brought on by pregnancy, threatened miscarriage or preterm labor should not receive massages without the specific approval of their health care provider. Women who have had early contractions or significant Braxton-Hicks contractions should make sure to choose a certified prenatal massage therapist who can avoid pressing on sensitive pressure points (see Resources below).
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