Prenatal
massage can help relieve some of the physical and emotional
stresses women experience during pregnancy. Many woman
find relief with massage from the strain put on the spine
and lower extremities by the extra weight they gain while
carrying a child. Women confined to bed during pregnancy
can benefit from the improved circulation, joint movements,
and social contact during pregnancy. Comfort and positioning
are important factors during a prenatel massage. Side-lying,
reclining, supine, and prone positions each have their
place in giving massage to a pregnant woman.
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What
is prenatal massage?
Massage during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork which
focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her
body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth
experience. It is a fast-growing field in the United States
that has attracted the interest of labor and delivery
nurses, nurse-midwives, childbirth educators and obstetricians.
Massage therapy enhances the function of muscles and joints,
improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves
mental and physical fatigue.
The
popularity of prenatal massage is the result of a trend
toward a higher level of wellness, especially during pregnancy.
Many women are postponing childbirth until they have achieved
other goals, such as careers and relationships. Because
of this, pregnancy is anticipated and enjoyed to its fullest
for the wondrous experience it is. Today's pregnant women
– along with other health care consumers –
are looking for alternative approaches to support traditional
health services.
Pregnancy massage can be done in different ways. Pregnant
women may lie on their sides to be massaged, and they
can actually lie on their bellies, since a specifically
designed pillow has made it possible for expectant moms,
no matter how far along they are, to lie flat on their
stomachs. It accomplishes this with a deep center cutout
in the pillow, so that bellies are accommodated and moms-to-be
are relaxed and comfortable.
After the first 22 weeks of pregnancy, lying flat on your
back can cause pressure on deep blood vessels, due to
the growing baby, thereby reducing circulation to you
and your baby. To avoid this problem, pillows can be used
to ensure that you are lying down and looking at the wall
rather than the ceiling. Body pillows are especially effective
for the side-lying position.
Benefits
of prenatal massage
In
addition to the fact that massage during pregnancy just
plain feels good, there are many other benefits for the
mom-to-be and her baby, too. A study conducted by Dr.
Tiffany Field at the University of Miami School of Medicine
showed that massage actually reduces stress hormones in
the body. Touch is vital to the mother's physical and
emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image.
Regardless of individual circumstances, a pregnant woman's
body is challenged, changed and stressed in many ways.
Massage gives special attention to the mother-to-be, which
in turn nurtures the new life that grows within her.
Benefits
of prenatal massage include:
emotional support and nurturing touch;
relaxation and decreased insomnia;
stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles,
lower back and pelvis;
neck and back pain relief caused by muscle imbalance and
weakness;
assistance in maintaining proper posture;
preparing the muscles used during childbirth;
reduced swelling in hands and feet;
lessened sciatic pain;
fewer calf cramps;
headache and sinus congestion relief.
Is
prenatal massage for you?
Massage during pregnancy is usually safe for most mothers.
Your massage therapist will want to know if you are having
any problems or complications with your pregnancy before
you begin. If you are, then your therapist will require
approval from your primary health care provider before
proceeding with any bodywork. The following are circumstances
in which massage should not be performed:
• heavy discharge (watery or bloody);
• diabetes;
• contagious illness;
• fever;
• vomiting;
• unusual pain;
• pre-eclampsia;
• high blood pressure;
• morning sickness;
• abdominal pain;
• diarrhea;
• any malignant condition.
Areas of the body that should not be massaged include:
• skin rashes, open sores, bruises;
• inflammation;
• raised or distended varicose veins;
• local infection sites.
In addition to these areas, one other precaution needs
to be mentioned: Direct and sustained pressure should
not be applied to the area between the ankle bone and
heel. This area is considered by many massage therapists
and reflexologists to relate with the uterus and vagina,
and it is thought that heavy pressure to this area could
promote early labor. Assuming there are no other precautions
or considerations, it should be all right to massage the
rest of the feet.
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