Content table
Pregnancy is a special time filled with numerous changes. As your body grows and shifts to make room for your baby, you may find yourself experiencing a whole new set of aches and pains.
And as a result, you may be seeking relief from the physical and emotional discomforts of pregnancy. Chances are good you’ve heard of a prenatal massage. But you may be wondering, “Are prenatal massages safe?”
The short answer: yes. Prenatal massage therapy is a safe and beneficial way to find comfort. In fact, many women turn to alternative and complementary therapies while pregnant.
One study found that as many as 62% of women reported using some kind of these therapies during pregnancy.
We’re here to give you the details on everything you need to know about getting a pregnancy massage.
Key Takeaways
- Prenatal massage therapy is a complementary practice that helps relieve the common discomforts of pregnancy.
- A pregnancy massage is usually safe and beneficial after the first trimester. But always get approval from your healthcare provider first!
- The benefits of prenatal massage include reducing muscle tension, improving sleep, and lowering feelings of anxiety and stress.
- A specialized massage therapist will use gentle techniques and proper positioning to keep you and your baby safe.
- Are massages safe during pregnancy? Yes. But avoid deep tissue massages on the legs and abdomen to prevent risks like blood clotting.
What Is a Prenatal Massage?
A prenatal massage is a type of therapeutic massage designed to help relieve the aches and pains of pregnancy. Think of it like a traditional massage, but with some key modifications to keep you and your baby safe.
A pregnancy massage therapist will use techniques that are suited to the changes your body is going through. They will also use special pillows and a side-lying position to make sure you’re fully supported. And that you can relax without any added pressure on your belly!
This allows you to get all the benefits of a massage in a pregnancy-safe way. It’s a form of self-care and a great way to help with your emotional well-being during this special time.
When Can You Start Getting Prenatal Massages?
Many women turn to alternative therapies during pregnancy. Here’s a look at the most common alternative therapies used during pregnancy:
Massage therapy | 61% |
Acupuncture | 45% |
Relaxation techniques | 43% |
Yoga | 41% |
Chiropractic therapies | 37% |
Prenatal massage therapy is the clear winner, and it’s no surprise why. It can be a wonderful part of your prenatal care.
However, the timing of the massage is something to consider.
In general, the second trimester is an optimal time to start getting maternity massages. This is because your morning sickness will have usually subsided. Also, your body starts to experience new discomfort from the extra pressure of your growing baby.
What Are the Benefits of a Prenatal Massage?
The benefits of a prenatal massage go beyond just feeling good. Women who get a pregnancy massage often report feeling better physically and emotionally.
Research shows it’s a safe and effective way to relieve the common discomforts of pregnancy.
Relief from aches, pains, and stress
Increased pressure from the growing baby, along with hormonal changes, can lead to muscle aches and pains in your lower back, hips, and neck.
Studies show that maternity massage can help relieve and soothe your tense muscles.
One specific study looked at moms-to-be who got a 20-minute massage session twice a week for five weeks. The results showed a significant improvement in back pain, mood, and sleep, along with lower noradrenaline levels.
Another study reported similar findings. It showed major differences in favor of the massage group when it came to headaches, backaches, and muscle cramps.
Lower depression and anxiety
For moms with prenatal depression, a massage can be a huge help.
One study examined depressed expecting moms receiving massage treatments. And researchers found that they had lower depression and anxiety levels than those who did not get massages.
Another study compared pregnant women who received either 8 weeks of acupuncture or 8 weeks of massage therapy. They found that both groups had a significant reduction in their depression scores. This reduction was similar to antidepressant treatments!
Enhanced fetal development
The benefits of a prenatal massage aren’t just for moms. They can also enhance the baby’s well-being.
A study found that depressed women who got regular massages during pregnancy had a lower incidence of premature births. They also delivered children with higher birth weight than women in the control groups.
But wait — there’s more! Neonates whose moms had gotten pregnancy massages were observed spending more time smiling and vocalizing. Plus, they had better scores when it came to:
- Orientation
- Motor
- Excitability
- Depression
Are Prenatal Massages Safe? Are There Any Risks?
Yes, prenatal massage therapy is generally safe. But there are a couple of caveats:
- It needs to be performed by a qualified massage therapist
- It needs to be approved by your doctor
However, there are some risks that you should be aware of. This is especially true if your pregnancy is complicated.
Temporary side effects
One study found there were no serious complications with a pregnancy massage. But 40% of participants experience one or more temporary side effects. These included:
- Post-treatment muscle soreness
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
Blood clots
During pregnancy, women are 5 times more likely to develop a deep venous thrombosis (blood clot in the deep veins of the leg).
This is a very serious and potentially life-threatening condition. And it’s why deep tissue massages should be avoided. This type of massage may detach a blood clot.
So, during pregnancy, no massage should be performed on the deep muscle tissue of the arms, and definitely not the legs.
Abdomen massage
Massaging the abdomen is a big NO for expectant mothers. This can lead to placental or uterine rupture and may cause pregnancy loss and even maternal death.
What Precautions Should I Take Before Getting a Prenatal Massage?
To make sure your massage is a safe and positive experience, it’s important to take a few precautions.
- Consult with your doctor: Always talk to your healthcare provider before you make an appointment. Women with difficult pregnancies or pre-existing complications should only get a massage with their doctor’s approval. These complications include:
- Placenta previa
- Premature labor
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Find a specialized therapist: It is key that your therapist is specialized in giving maternity massages. They will know the proper techniques and pressure points to avoid. They will also be sure to make you feel comfortable and support your unique needs.
- Proper positioning: A prenatal massage session should be performed while you are in a side-lying or seated position. Moms-to-be should not be massaged while lying on their stomachs. This can be uncomfortable and put pressure on your belly.
- Avoid deep pressure: A professional massage for a pregnant woman should use gentle Swedish massage techniques and moderate pressure. Deep tissue massages are not recommended due to the increased risk of blood clotting.
- Avoid essential oils: Some essential oils may induce contractions. So, it’s best to avoid any highly concentrated essential oils during pregnancy.
FAQs
A prenatal massage is a therapeutic massage for pregnant women.
It uses specific techniques and positioning, like being in a side-lying position. These techniques can help relieve the discomforts of pregnancy and promote relaxation.
Yes! But there are a few important adjustments.
First, you always want to talk to your healthcare provider before getting a pregnancy massage. This is especially true if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
You also want to find a certified massage therapist who is trained to work with expectant mothers. This ensures your treatment is safe.
The best time to start a maternity massage is after your first trimester. This is when you will likely start to feel more of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.
It’s also best to wait until the second trimester because it could make your first-trimester morning sickness worse.
A pregnancy massage can do a lot for your overall health.
- It helps to reduce stress and anxiety
- It relieves muscle aches and pains
- It improves circulation
- It reduces swelling in the hands and feet
This massage is a great way to help your body cope with and adjust to the extra weight and other changes that happen during pregnancy.
The main difference is the special care given to expecting moms.
A prenatal massage uses gentler techniques and positioning to ensure safety and comfort.
Your therapist will use pillows to support your body and will also avoid putting any pressure on your abdomen and other pressure points that aren’t safe during pregnancy.
During a pregnancy massage, deep tissue work should be avoided on the legs and arms. This is because deep work could lead to an increased risk of clotting.
The abdomen should also be avoided, as this can be dangerous.
A certified massage therapist will know which areas to focus on and which to avoid to keep you and your baby safe.
This depends on your individual preferences and needs. Many pregnant women find that getting a massage once or twice a month is helpful for managing ongoing aches and pains.
You may choose to go more often if you’re feeling a lot of discomfort.
Your massage therapist and healthcare provider can help you determine how often you can get a massage to ensure it’s a safe and effective part of your prenatal care.
This is a popular way to find relief from swelling and fatigue. And it is generally safe, as long as it’s done by a certified massage therapist who knows what they’re doing.
You should always avoid deep pressure on certain pressure points, though. Some people believe they can trigger contractions.
A gentle therapeutic massage on your feet and ankles can be a great way to improve circulation and help you relax.
Maternity massages are safe for most women, but there are times when you should skip your appointment.
This includes:
- If you have a high blood pressure diagnosis
- If you’re at risk for blood clots
- If you have any vaginal bleeding
- If you have a fever
If you have severe symptoms and/or a complicated pregnancy, always seek care from your doctor and avoid massages until you’re cleared.
Yes! One of the benefits of pregnancy massage is the positive impact it can have on your emotional well-being.
The gentle touch used in a pregnancy massage session helps your body release endorphins and lower stress hormones like cortisol. This can help reduce stress, leaving you feeling calmer, centered, and better equipped to handle the emotional changes of pregnancy.
