Prenatal Massage: Is It Safe?
November 5, 2009 at 12:00 PM by Cafe MicheleZ - Comments (8)
For my birthday earlier this week, my sister gave me a gift certificate to get a prenatal massage. At first I was hesitant -- my super swollen ankles and feet made me a little self-conscious of letting anyone see them, let alone touch them.
I let my vanity go and got an appointment on Monday. It was the best thing I could have done. But some people wonder if it's safe to get a massage during pregnancy.
There are some points on the body that when pressed, like acupressure, can make a woman go into labor. But a skilled and certified prenatal massage therapist should know what to avoid. Plus it's a massage, not acupressure.
Some people feel massage should be avoided during the first trimester. So it's best to consult with your doctor first. And if you are high risk or have health issues, speak with a doctor first.
But I have to say that my massage at 32 weeks of my twin pregnancy was perhaps one of the best ways to spend my birthday. The therapist set up the table with body pillows and I was on my side -- switching sides mid-way through. All my aches were taken care of -- my lower back, neck, the carpal tunnel in my hands, the pain in my calves, and swollen feet and ankles. There was no rubbing of my belly, just in the areas that were stressed the most. It was like she was able to get the blood flowing better again and even though it was just an hour of reprieve, it was quite a great hour. (I am so thankful for my sister's thoughtful gift!)
With me being so tranquil and relaxed, so were my babies. I used some of the meditation breathing techniques to really let go and it was so calming.
If you have the money to spend, I highly recommend it especially for third trimester mamas.
Have you had a prenatal massage?
Related posts:
Has Anyone Gone Into Early Labor Because of a Prenatal Massage?
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I was considering going to massage school and thats one of the questions I asked being a mom myself! They assured me its 100% safe if done by a trained professional... but it got me thinking... DH gave me a massage just about every day when I was pregnant... his grandma is a massage therapist and taught him everything she knows. I never had any problems.. I wonder if it all might be a bit TOO over hyped sometimes.
I was pregnant going through massage school, and I LOVED being the dummy for prenatal classes. haha It is very helpful during pregnancy. You eliminate all those aches and sores and feel like a princess if only for a short hour. The therapist, if certified in prenatal massage, is skilled and knows exactly what to go for, what to avoid, and how to help relieve your pain in a safe and effective way. Plus it also helps to relax your muscles for an easier labor and delivery which is always nice!!
I plan on getting a prenatal massage towards the end of this pregnancy. I remember how rough it got in the end with Logan. I wish I had done it back then!
I was pregnant during massage school too! Prenatal massages are aMAYzing for mom, baby AND therapist! I HIGHLY recommend them. There are SO many benefits to it- studies find that prenatal massage reduces nor-epinephrine and uterine stress and therefore complications to mom and baby during delivery (according to my text books). It's great for mom's health, even just by reducing stress promotes a healthy pregnancy for mom and reduces the harmful affects of stressors' hormones on the baby. And it's fantastic for stimulating and connecting with baby. Man, the list of reasons to get prenatal massages just goes on and on... !!!
As far as the reflexology/acupressure points that can put a woman into labor- that's not entirely true. A HELATHY pregnant body won't go into labor before the body is ready, even when energy work is applied to uterine reflexology points. But, of course, that doesn't mean a therapist/mom shouldn't err on the cautious side.
I am finishing up massage school ( will be done next month). I am currently 25 weeks pregnant and I love it. This is my 3rd pregnancy and I have gotten many massages with all of my pregnancies (mostly because I have a friend that doesn't charge me). I will say though that I think unless you are specifically trained in accupressure to hit those labor points the odds of someone actually doing it is slim to none. While massage therapist are trained and know what spots to avoid I don't think that anyone should be concerned about getting a massage from a friend or spouse during their pregnancy.
I have gotten them occasionally since my second trimester and I love them! My massage therapist even asked my husband to come so she could show him some basic techniques to use on me if I am in pain during non-office hours.
I agree with all... I am 20 weeks pregnant now, and have been getting one, every two weeks, since just past the 12 week mark, just to be safe. At the last two sessions, my WONDERFUL massage therapist has been rubbing my expanding belly as well... although I thought this would be weird/uncomfortable, it's not at all! It feels so great and the baby seems to LOVE it! She's very active in there, especially during that part.
Do it, you will not regret it!
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I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!!! sadly i haven't gotten one but for some reason i dreamt i had one =-D we flipped our mattress and it felt like it was just like new, delicious!!!
sodapple Nov. 5, 2009 at 12:33 PM