The answer is: Generally, yes. Massage therapy during pregnancy has been shown to provide many benefits, including a sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep. But certain techniques and trigger points in the body can cause contractions and premature labor, so seeking expertise is vital.
Experts stay safe by avoiding pressure points associated with the pelvis, wrists, hands, and ankles. Due to the risk of blood clots during pregnancy it is also important to avoid deep tissue massage in the legs.
Can I lay on my stomach during a massage? As long as you are comfortable, laying on your stomach during a massage will not hurt your baby.
The first trimester carries an increased risk of miscarriage, and some therapists are concerned that the increased blood flow during a massage might be harmful. Second, there are pressure points in the body that are thought to initiate contractions or potentially induce labor.
Though it appears safe throughout pregnancy for most women receiving massage therapy to lie on their backs briefly, for a two to five minute maximum, always follow these instructions when present. In second and third trimesters, be prudent and take mitigating measures for more extended anterior work.
If you're pregnant and dealing with muscle tension or pain, you may be wondering if deep tissue massage is safe for you. The answer is yes – but it's important to make sure that the person doing the massage has experience working with pregnant clients.
Therefore, pregnant women should be advised to avoid leg massage unless they are certain that no thromboembolism disorders exist.
A massage too early on may cause problems, even potentially a miscarriage. It is not recommended by most massage experts to use massage in first trimester clients. Pressure points on a woman's body may accidentally trigger contractions that are dangerous for both the mother and child.
Catherine McInerney, Director of Pregnancy Massage Australia, recommends the side-lying position as the safest option for massage during pregnancy. The side lying position offers a number of positive physical and psychological benefits for both mum and baby.
The first is the inner ankle, just behind the bones on the inside of the foot. This point is connected to the uterus, so stimulating it can cause contractions. The second point is on the top of the foot, in between the two bones that run from the ankle to the toes.
Massage is generally safe throughout all the trimesters right up until the birth of your baby, however, you can rest assured knowing that a qualified remedial massage therapist will have the professional knowledge of your condition and the contraindications during pregnancy.
It's safe for your partner to touch, play with, or caress your breasts during pregnancy, as long as it feels good to you. Your breasts change throughout pregnancy, and may feel tingly, tender, and unusually sensitive to touch, particularly in the first trimester.
There's always the risk of having a miscarriage or preeclampsia with a regular massage. Issues like placenta accreta or an abruption are also possible serious complications. Edema, or swelling, is also possible in a certain area, especially if you get massages more often. Changes in blood pressure can happen, too.
“While there have been claims that a massage chair can lead to miscarriage or premature labor, there is no evidence that that is true,” says Dr. Ghosh. “Massage chairs used as intended are generally safe when pregnant.”
The therapist will avoid deep tissue massage here and instead use light, relaxing and long strokes which help circulation. If you would like your masseuse to massage your pregnant belly, this is possible, but it will again be gentle, using long strokes, designed to make you feel comfortable, womanly and at ease.
Prenatal massage predominantly uses the Swedish massage technique, which focuses on long, sweeping strokes with only minimal pressure applied to the body. Deep tissue pressure, which is common in other therapeutic massages, won't be used as it could potentially be harmful to mother or baby.
Pregnancy massage can be performed with as much or as little clothing as you're comfortable wearing – it's always a personal decision. Usually we recommend that you keep underwear on, and we use towels for coverage so only the parts that are being massaged are exposed.
When you are pregnant, you can use massage therapy to relax and to help relieve muscle tension and pain. But take the following precautions to help make sure that massage is safe. Tell your massage therapist that you are pregnant. Be sure that your massage therapist has special training in pregnancy massage.
The question remains, can I lie on my belly at all whilst having a pregnancy massage? Yes, you can!!! Up until second trimester, it is safe for you to lie on your belly. This means you can lie on your belly throughout your first trimester…
During a massage, a pregnant woman may lie on both sides of her body, with a preference towards the left side. As the pregnancy progresses, she may need to adjust her position to find a comfortable spot, but typically, she is not in any one position for more than 20 minutes.
To ensure the safety and comfort of both mother and baby you will start lying on your left hand side with your head on a firm pillow. This will keep your head and neck in alignment.