Doctors state that pregnancy should be a time for relaxation and yet many times the mother-to-be seems overly stressed. Maybe the mother has others kids to care for, a house to care for, a job to worry about, or even just the pregnancy in general can be stressful for the new mother.
Prenatal massage is used not only to help decrease stress levels but also to alleviate pain and tension in muscles and joints.
Studies have shown that stress during pregnancy can be harmful not only to the mother but also to the baby. Some of these harmful effects include but are not limited to risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, increase in mother’s heart rate, problems with blood pressure, and chronic anxiety.
So what can a mother do to ensure she has a reduction of stress during this time? Most importantly the mother-to-be needs to take care of herself, not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Prenatal massage can help ensure that the new mother’s physical, emotional, and mental needs are being met.
1. What Is Prenatal Massage?
Massage therapy has been used since 3000 B.C. by the Chinese to aid in mental, physical, and emotional well being. Prenatal massage is a massage therapy which is modified particularly for a pregnant woman. Prenatal massage is used not only to help decrease stress levels but also to alleviate pain and tension in muscles and joints.
During this massage the mother has to be placed properly to make sure that she is not only comfortable but she is in a safe position for the baby. One unsafe position is lying on your back especially after the second trimester. When a pregnant woman lies on her back she could put herself at risk as it could hinder proper circulation, impair breathing, and make it more uncomfortable for the women in general as the baby is “crushing” her spine and intestines. Some places have specially made tables with holes cut in the middle for the woman’s belly. This would allow for the woman to lie facing downwards.
The prenatal massage is similar to a Swedish massage. A Swedish massage utilizes a gentler motion and kneading action to help encourage a more relaxed feeling as well as relieves muscle tension. The massage therapist will stay away from deep kneading and pressure points, as this can be harmful for the baby and mother-to-be.
2. Who are the Best candidates for Prenatal Massage?
The best candidates for a prenatal massage would be mothers-to-be. Prenatal massages are given throughout pregnancy and can be received during any of the three trimesters. Women who may have a high risk pregnancy or other health factors may or may not be able to take part in prenatal massages as it can cause more harm than good. These women should consult with their health providers or obstetricians to ensure that the prenatal massage would cause more pros than cons.
A woman may be determined to be a high risk pregnancy for the following reasons:
• Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
• Prior miscarriage
• Prior preterm birth
• Preeclampsia
• Very recent birth (within 12 months)
• Extreme swelling to body and/or joints
• High blood pressure
Some other health reasons associated or not associated with pregnancy may make you an unlikely candidate including:
• Fever/illness
• Bloody discharge
• Leaking of fluids
• Diarrhea
• Morning sickness/nausea
3. What are the Benefits?
There are many benefits which come with the prenatal massage. The first benefit which comes as the result of the prenatal massage is the reduction of stress and anxiety. When there is too much stress during pregnancy this can cause the baby and mother harm, why not eliminate it? Another major benefit is getting rid of all the aches in your tired body. Imagine carrying around another human being for the whole day…who wouldn’t want a massage after that?
The prenatal massage also helps to regulate hormones. Hormones which are related to anxiety and rest are actually modified considerably during a prenatal massage. The stressful hormones, norepinephrine and cortisol, are shown to be reduced after a prenatal massage. Other hormones which are affected by the massage are dopamine and serotonin. When an individual has low levels of dopamine and serotonin they are more likely to suffer from depression. During a prenatal massage dopamine and serotonin levels are increased.
The prenatal massage also helps to reduce swelling or what is more commonly known as edema during pregnancy. Sciatic nerve pain is also stated to improve after. Some other known benefits of the prenatal massage include:
• Improvement in circulation
• Better labor and delivery
• Improvement in sleep patterns
• Improvement with back pain
4. What are the Risks?
While the list of benefits is long, there are some risks as well. Earlier we noted that it was best for the massage not to include deep muscle and tissue massage. The reason behind this is that there are acupressure points throughout the woman’s body which when stimulated can actually cause labor. The deep tissue massage can cause a woman to go into preterm labor and possible delivery a premature baby which involves even more health risks. This is the most serious risk of the prenatal massage.
Other risks may include:
• soreness
• muscle aches
• spotting
• cramping
• nausea
• dizziness
To take the best precaution possible a pregnant woman should first consult her obstetrician. They should make the decision together as to whether or not the prenatal massage would be beneficial for the mother and child. The next step would be to carefully choose a certified prenatal massage therapist. A certified prenatal massage therapist knows which pressure points to avoid as well as certain medical ailments of pregnant women. They are trained to treat the pregnant body. The next step would be, if allowed, to go and get that massage. Finally, your last step of the prenatal massage would be to relax and enjoy!
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.
