If you’re a fan of massages, you may worry that pregnancy will hinder your ability to receive a nice, relaxing massage. While traditional massages might not be on the table anymore as your pregnancy progresses, that is where prenatal massages come in!
Prenatal massages are specially adapted to pregnant bodies and performed by a specially trained massage therapist that enables you to safely lie prone, or lying on your side, with special cushioning to accommodate your growing body.
What do they do in a prenatal massage?
Like every other massage, a prenatal massage includes stimulating soft tissues and joints to alleviate tension and help you relax. This is designed to focus on joints and points that may endure more stress during pregnancy.
When should you start getting prenatal massage?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, you can technically get a prenatal massage at any point during the pregnancy. However, most prenatal massage places might not accept clients until they’re well into their second semester.
Massages during the first trimester might be discouraged due to the increased risk of miscarriage during this time. So it’s better to wait until the 12th week to get a prenatal massage, and then you can continue receiving them until the 37th week unless your healthcare team says otherwise.
What is the difference this and regular massage?
The main difference between prenatal and regular massages is the person performing them. Massage therapists trained for prenatal massages know what to and not to do when massaging a pregnant woman.
Prenatal massages are gentler and specially adapted to the needs of a pregnant body. It focuses on the points and joints that endure more stress as your tummy grows. All of this is done with gentle pressure to not harm the baby.
What are the benefits?
Some of the reasons you might want to get a prenatal massage include:
- Regular prenatal massages can help improve the level of dopamine and serotonin which helps alleviate your mood and prevent the onset of depression during and after pregnancy.
- Swelling and oedema of feet are common during pregnancy due to increased volume in your body. Regular massages help stimulate blood flow and circulation. It helps reduce swelling.
- Massages can take off stress from your joints and help alleviate the pain that may arise from continuous pressure on your joints.
- It may improve your sleeping pattern by helping you relax better.
Despite all these benefits, always talk to your care team for their opinion before getting anything done!