As any mother will admit, pregnancy can be a wonderful but also uncomfortable journey.
Body aches and pains are common, as are breast enlargement, hormonal fluctuations, morning sickness, sleep disturbances, the list goes on.
If you are pregnant, there are some options you can try to ease your discomfort and ensure your well-being, including pregnancy massage therapy.
It is a fantastic way to treat aches, pains, and more during pregnancy. Research shows that regular massage sessions can help you in many ways, both physically and mentally.
Massage during pregnancy is more than a luxury. It is a therapeutic approach that eases discomfort by providing a safe haven for relaxation.
In recent years, more and more women are recognizing the benefits of pregnancy massage therapy. It was once seen as an alternative form of therapy but has become an increasingly popular way for women to reduce the discomfort of pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a very precious time in a woman’s life, but it can also be overwhelming and intimidating, both physically and mentally.
During this period, pregnancy massage therapy can provide you with physical comfort and relief, soothing relaxation, and welcome reassurance. After all, your body is designed to adapt and change during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
What does massage therapy for pregnant women involved?
One of the most popular forms of pregnancy massage uses principles based on Swedish massage techniques. This is because of its particular benefits in reducing muscle tension and improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
At Spa Mobile, our experienced massage therapists use aromatherapy oils and burn incense to heighten the sensory experience. There are, however, a range of oils that should be avoided as they can cause uterine contractions. These include oregano, nutmeg, peppermint, thyme, basil, sage and rosemary. You may prefer the massage therapist to use unscented or very lightly scented oils.
The amount of skin you expose during your massage is entirely up to you. Some women are comfortable wearing very little clothing while others want to cover up more. However, it is worth keeping in mind that for you to get the most out of your massage, the therapist needs to be able to access as much of your skin surface as possible.
Why Get Massages When Pregnant?
Soothing moments during your pregnancy are essential for you and your growing baby. The benefits of a professional pregnancy massage session go beyond simple relaxation, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy.
It can help reduce leg cramps, lower back pain, and even help prevent miscarriages in the first 12 weeks. However, always seek your doctor’s permission before indulging in any treatments during your pregnancy.
Massage can focus on improving blood circulation, reducing stress, and enhancing relaxation. However, it is essential to communicate with the massage therapist and avoid certain pressure points to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
What Types of Massage for Pregnant Women?
The types of massage vary, but prenatal massage sessions typically involve lying on your side or using a massage table specially designed for pregnancy. Traditional deep tissue massages are often avoided and massage therapists use techniques tailored to your needs, focusing on your well-being and addressing specific issues.
There are many different techniques that can be used during a prenatal massage, but the most common are relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy.
Relaxation massage is the most common type of massage used during pregnancy. This type of massage uses long, gentle strokes to help the mother-to-be relax.
Deep tissue massage is a more intense form of massage that is used to relieve muscle tension and soreness.
Trigger point therapy is a type of massage that is used to release muscle knots. This type of massage can be very helpful in relieving lower back and hip pain.
These are just a few of the many techniques that can be used during a pregnancy massage. Each massage therapist may use different techniques depending on their training and experience. It is important to find a massage therapist who you feel comfortable with and who has experience working with pregnant women.
Understanding the Importance of Prenatal Massage at Home
Pregnancy is a transformative journey and taking care of your well-being is crucial during this time. Prenatal massage, when done safely at home, can play a vital role in enhancing the experience for expectant mothers.
The first trimester often brings with it various changes and getting prenatal massage during these early months can be very beneficial. It is essential to use a pregnancy-appropriate massage technique, ensuring both your safety and that of your growing baby.
Prenatal yoga and pregnancy massage are popular choices for pregnant women looking to relieve discomfort. A 60-minute massage by a professional can help reduce pain and stress, promoting overall well-being.
The benefits of massage during pregnancy are numerous. It not only reduces pain in pregnant women but also contributes to a feeling of relaxation and calm. Massage therapists often avoid putting too much pressure on certain areas, such as the pelvic region, as it can have adverse effects. In fact, some massage techniques should be avoided altogether to prevent potential harm to both mother and baby.
During a professional massage, the massage therapist creates a comfortable space for your growing belly, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience. Back massages and gentle caresses are commonly used to relieve tension and stress. Pregnant women who engage in prenatal massage report improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety.
Understanding the importance of at-home prenatal massage means recognizing the specific benefits it offers during the different months of pregnancy. By incorporating safe and appropriate techniques, you can make massage a valuable part of your self-care routine.
What makes prenatal massage different?
Prenatal massage is different from general massage as there can be risks if specific pressure points are stimulated. These are located in your wrists and ankles. Massaging these can stimulate the uterus and start to contract. There should also be a level of sensitivity and gentleness from the therapist, which also takes the baby into consideration.
Some couples hire a massage therapist to give them both a massage and find it is a great way to connect and enhance their relationship.
How do massage therapists support your wellbeing?
Therapeutic massage is a fundamental part of prenatal care and qualified massage therapists play a vital role in improving your wellbeing. Pregnancy brings many physical and emotional changes and therapeutic touch can provide immense relief and support throughout this transformative journey.
Pregnancy massage therapy involves specialized techniques that prioritize the safety and comfort of both the mother and unborn child. Qualified massage therapists tailor their methods to meet the unique needs and concerns of pregnant women, focusing on areas of tension, discomfort, and stress. The gentle movements and targeted pressure applied during prenatal massages aim to relieve common pregnancy-related issues such as back pain, swelling, and muscle tension.
Beyond the physical benefits, massage therapy contributes significantly to the emotional and psychological well-being of pregnant women. The power of touch has been linked to reduced anxiety and improved mood, which is especially valuable during times of hormonal fluctuations and emotional sensitivity. Prenatal massage fosters a positive environment for both mother and baby by creating a sense of relaxation and connection through therapeutic touch.
Additionally, prenatal massage promotes better quality sleep, a common challenge for pregnant women. By reducing stress and inducing relaxation, massage therapy can help improve sleep patterns, allowing expectant mothers to better cope with the physical demands of pregnancy.
The nurturing touch provided by skilled massage therapists is a valuable part of prenatal care, addressing both the physical and emotional well-being of expectant mothers. As a holistic approach to health, massage therapy during pregnancy contributes to a more comfortable and positive experience, creating a foundation for the well-being of both mother and baby. It is a testament to the profound impact that therapeutic and thoughtful touch can have on the journey to motherhood.
Is pregnancy massage safe?
There seems to be some general confusion regarding pregnancy massage. While there are massage therapists who specialize in pregnancy massage therapy, there are also massage therapists who refuse to give pregnant women massage due to the fear that it will do more harm than good.
The truth is that pregnancy massage is completely safe in the hands of a qualified and skilled massage therapist.
So, it is important to make sure that your massage therapist is specially qualified for pregnancy massage. She should avoid pressing on certain pressure points and should only use gentle strokes on your abdomen. She should be very gentle with your legs, as you are at a higher risk of developing a blood clot when you are pregnant.
Heated beds or electric blankets are not recommended during pregnancy. You may also need assistance to get on and off the massage table safely.
Always consult your doctor before receiving a pregnancy massage. It may be dangerous if you have:
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Previous miscarriage;
- A high-risk pregnancy, due to diabetes or high blood pressure;
- Abdominal pain or bleeding.
Although massage therapy during pregnancy is generally safe, precautions should be taken. Avoiding massage on the pregnant belly and ensuring that the massage therapist has experience with pregnancy massage are essential steps. Also, make sure that the massage therapist is aware of your pregnancy weeks, as some techniques may need to be adjusted accordingly.
The Difficulty of Lying Down for a Prenatal Massage
The equipment required for prenatal massage can be a little different than standard one-on-one massage therapy. Body position during prenatal massage is important to maximize the effectiveness of the massage and to fully benefit from it. We recommend that pregnant women lie on their side during the massage.
Current research supports the use of standard massage tables, rather than those that have a hole cut out to accommodate the pregnant woman’s belly. The holes can allow the abdomen to hang unsupported and cause stretching of the uterine ligaments.
However, if tables or pillows are used, they should not be used for long periods of time. Our massage therapists know that you should not lie in one position for too long as this can cause discomfort. It is not recommended to lie on your back after the first trimester, so your positioning will be limited to your belly or side.
We offer a mobile massage service to your home and we have portable massage tables that fold up into a suitcase. If due to the size of your pregnant belly you feel unsafe or unsteady on the massage table, we encourage you to speak with our massage therapist. Check out our massage rates before booking an appointment.
What massage oil to use for a pregnant woman?
Most of you have probably heard about essential oils and their benefits from other new and expectant mothers.
How they have helped them feel comfortable to create a relaxed birthing atmosphere. It seems like all of a sudden everyone has started using oils to help them? But do they really work? Are they safe? Where do you start?
Essential oils are an incredible tool that can be applied topically and used around your labor machine to maximize your body’s natural abilities during your labor and delivery. You will find warnings everywhere about what oils you should and should not use while pregnant and breastfeeding. This can make you quite anxious, especially if you are new to essential oils.
Most of the time, essential oil bottles will have a warning label “contact your doctor before use”. Talk to your doctor or consult your doctor, because all bodies are different and react differently to essential oils, just like all bodies react differently to medications. And with that in mind, if you don’t quite get the effect you were hoping for from the oil, remember that all bodies are different and you may react differently to another oil. It’s all about finding the oils that work for you!
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Our in-home massage therapists are passionate and caring without making false promises. There are many massages to choose from for you and our booking process is quick, efficient and no deposit.
