Prenatal massage when is it safe

Many women have experienced a significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through massage. Other potential benefits of prenatal massage:. As with any therapeutic approach to pregnancy wellness , women should discuss massage with their prenatal care provider. The best way to address the risks of prenatal massage is to be informed and to work together with knowledgeable professionals.

Many professionals consider the best position for a pregnant woman during massage is side-lying. Tables that provide a hole in which the uterus can fit may not be reliable and can still apply pressure to the abdomen, or allow the abdomen to dangle, causing uncomfortable stretching of the uterine ligaments. Consult your massage therapist before your first appointment to verify what position they place their clients in during the massage.

It is important to seek care from a certified prenatal massage therapist. Certified therapists have received training beyond the national standards for massage therapists and know how to address specific pregnancy and massage needs. They are aware of how to position you safely and prevent strain to the uterine ligaments. They are also able to watch for symptoms of blood clots and varicose veins. Women who have recently experienced bleeding, pre-term contractions, or have any of the following conditions should speak with a health care provider prior to receiving a massage:.

Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy — during the first , second , or third trimester. Many facilities will refuse to offer massage to a woman who is still in her first trimester because of the increased risk for miscarriage associated with the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement shown to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health.

You may have some questions about the safety of massages since you are making decisions about not just your health. Are there any benefits to getting prenatal massage? These are just a few of the questions you may have before you start letting someone rub out those knots in your aching back. Generally speaking, prenatal massage is safe for most women once they get beyond the first trimester. That being said, it is important for you to consult with your physician before you start any massage program while pregnant.

Some women who have started massage therapy before the end of the first trimester have reported increased morning sickness and nausea. It is completely safe to get a massage in your first, second, and third trimester. There is a lot of misconception of prenatal massage in the first trimester. Some massage therapists will not work on a woman in her first trimester because the risk for a miscarriage is high until after 12 weeks.

Because of this risk, establishments fear they will be blamed for the miscarriage. Lying on your stomach is of course no longer a comfortable or safe option, and according to the APA, massage tables that feature a belly cutout can still apply pressure to your abdomen; plus, having your belly dangle can also cause the uterine ligaments to stretch uncomfortably.

Many also decline to perform deep tissue massage, since too much pressure—especially near veins in the legs—can potentially dislodge a blood clot , which expectant moms are at higher risk of developing. According to Field, moderate pressure that moves the skin is optimal. Lastly, always seek out a certified massage therapist who is trained specifically in prenatal massage, and get the green light from your doctor before booking an appointment.

One study highlighted that pregnant women are more likely to have unidentified deep vein thrombosis. Lightly stroking your baby bump is perfectly normal especially when you feel those baby kicks! Moreover, animal studies have shown that massaging the bellies of chickens led to hearing problems in fetuses, Field notes. While there is no scientific data showing that a foot massage during pregnancy can prompt labor, anecdotal evidence suggests massaging the Achilles tendon can stimulate contractions, though the link is unclear.

Delalay says, to be safe, avoiding the ankle during the first trimester is a good idea. When in doubt, an Epsom salt foot soak is a good alternative. Still, try not to stress over these more sensitive areas. You may be tempted to hire a live-in masseuse for the duration of your pregnancy, but turning to your partner, or a vibrating massager, may be the next best thing. Place a pillow between your knees for added support. While essential oils are by no means necessary for a successful at-home prenatal massage, aromatherapy can enhance the experience.

Note that in acupressure, the flat side of the heel is linked to the lower back and glutes, while applying pressure to the space under your big toe can help relieve neck pain. Instead of kneading your leg muscles especially if you have varicose veins , have your partner rotate your thigh muscles quads and hamstrings around your femur—first clockwise, then counter clockwise—as you stand leaning over a chair or countertop.

Lean forward onto a table or countertop with your forearms supporting the upper body. Ask your partner to stand behind you and squeeze your hips the fleshy sides of glutes inward.

They should hold, but not massage, your hips for 10 seconds and then release. Repeat several times.