Pregnancy massage has grown in popularity over the past several years and is now considered a standard service found on nearly all day spa menus. The benefits of pregnancy massage are numerous but despite its growing popularity, many expecting mothers still worry about it’s safety and risks. So what are the facts? Is pregnancy massage safe?
The answer to the above question is “Yes– under the right conditions and with a properly trained licensed massage therapists who has received training in working with pregnant women.” Aside from understanding the many benefits of pregnancy massage, there are some things you should know about potential risks to ensure that you avoid them. Knowing the benefits as well as the potential risks associated with pregnancy massage will ensure that you receive the highest level of care with the least amount of risk.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Massage during pregnancy is one of the best things an expecting mother can do for herself and her developing baby. Massage increases circulation in the tissues and joints and can help to relieve pregnancy induced swelling in the arms and legs. It can also help to decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol which can be harmful to a developing fetus in high levels.
Soothing the common aches and pains that come from a changing body during pregnancy is also another fantastic benefit. Headache, backache, and the pains associated with stretching tendons and tissues can all be alleviated with pregnancy massage. Massage during pregnancy can also aid in sleep. After all, when mamma is rested and relaxed during her pregnancy, her baby also greatly benefits!
Risks of Pregnancy Massage and Things to Avoid
Most, if not all, licensed massage therapists will have received a basic education in pregnancy massage during their training process. This basic training is usually sufficient to ensure the safe application of massage to pregnant women. However if you have any concerns it is best to ask about a therapists training in advance and address any concerns prior to beginning the massage.
Deep Tissue Massage During Pregnancy
As a general rule of thumb, if you have not been receiving regular deep tissue massage prior your pregnancy it is best to avoid beginning deep tissue work during pregnancy. Stick to the Swedish or Relaxation massage styles, which are most often the styles used for pregnancy massage.
Areas of the Body to Avoid
There are certain parts of a woman’s body to avoid massaging during pregnancy. Certain specific pressure points on and near the ankles and calves should be avoided as should the pressure point in between the thumb and forefinger. These are common pressure points used in shiatsu and acupuncture/acupressure that many therapists will stimulate in a typical non-prenatal massage but that have been known to trigger uterine contractions when stimulated firmly.
In Chinese medicine these points are known as Kidney 4 and 6 (interior of the ankle just below the ankle bone), Spleen 9 and 10 (interior of the lower leg), Stomach 36 (just lateral to the knee cap, and Large Intestine 4 (point between the thumb and forefinger). While gentle or light massage on the lower legs is generally safe, be sure your therapists avoids applying any deep or sustained pressure on these particular pressure points.
While you may hear or read conflicting information on this, if you understand where the information is coming from and the reasoning behind it, you will be better equipped to make your own informed decision. A great book to reference on this topic is “Woman Heal Thyself” by Jeanne Elizabeth Blum where she writes in great depth on what are known as the Forbidden Pregnancy Points. This book is available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Woman-Heal-Thyself-Jeanne-Elizabeth/dp/0804830452
Massage in the First Trimester
Generally speaking receiving massage in the first trimester of pregnancy is safe. However you will find that many spas will not administer massage to a woman who is less than 12 weeks pregnant because many miscarriages happen during the first trimester and they do not want to be held liable in the event of a miscarriage happening after a pregnancy massage.
In Conclusion
It is always a good idea to get a clearance from your doctor or midwife prior to receiving a pregnancy massage. However as a general rule of thumb you can rest assured that for a healthy low risk pregnancy, massage is not only safe but a highly recommended aspect of prenatal care that brings with it many benefits for the mother to be and her unborn child.