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Are prenatal massages worth it?
The answer is: Generally, yes. Massage therapy during pregnancy has been shown to provide many benefits, including a sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep. But certain techniques and trigger points in the body can cause contractions and premature labor, so seeking expertise is vital.
When should you start getting prenatal massages?
The American Pregnancy Association says that women can begin massage at any point during a pregnancy. However, many prenatal massage therapists will not accept clients until the second trimester of pregnancy.
What areas should not be massaged during pregnancy?
These circulatory changes put a pregnant woman at risk of blood clots in the lower legs, typically in the calves or inner thigh. To be safe, pregnancy massage experts avoid deep massage and strong pressure on the legs. Using strong pressure could dislodge a blood clot.
What does a prenatal massage consist of?
A prenatal massage is a full body massage performed by a certified prenatal massage therapist that is similar to a Swedish massage (like what you might experience at a spa) except for a few modifications with body positioning that can ensure the safety and comfort for both mother and baby.
Is prenatal massage necessary?
A prenatal massage can reduce general pregnancy discomfort and can do wonders for your health and well being. Massage during pregnancy could do wonders for your health and wellbeing. Reducing your stress levels, relieving muscle aches and even rejuvenating your energy are just some of the possible benefits.
What week is best for prenatal massage?
As a general rule of thumb, prenatal massage can benefit you throughout your pregnancy with monthly appointments until around 27 weeks, then twice monthly appointments from around 27 weeks to 36 weeks, and weekly appointments from 36 weeks until you give birth.
How often should I get a prenatal massage?
As a general rule of thumb, prenatal massage can benefit you throughout your pregnancy with monthly appointments until around 27 weeks, then twice monthly appointments from around 27 weeks to 36 weeks, and weekly appointments from 36 weeks until you give birth.
What week is best for prenatal massage?
As a general rule of thumb, prenatal massage can benefit you throughout your pregnancy with monthly appointments until around 27 weeks, then twice monthly appointments from around 27 weeks to 36 weeks, and weekly appointments from 36 weeks until you give birth.
How close to due date can you get prenatal massage?
Unless your doctor has advised you not to have a pregnancy massage due to underlying health or medical concerns, or if your pregnancy is under consultant care, you have the green light to have a pregnancy massage once you've reached the 38-week mark and beyond.
Do you need a prenatal massage in first trimester?
Many massage therapists won't give pregnancy massages during the first trimester. The reason is the potential for miscarriage. Some pregnancy massage experts argue that pregnancy massage doesn't, in itself, cause miscarriage, but no research has been done to show a link between a massage and a miscarriage.
Are prenatal massages worth it?
The answer is: Generally, yes. Massage therapy during pregnancy has been shown to provide many benefits, including a sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep. But certain techniques and trigger points in the body can cause contractions and premature labor, so seeking expertise is vital.
Where shouldnt you massage when pregnant?
These circulatory changes put a pregnant woman at risk of blood clots in the lower legs, typically in the calves or inner thigh. To be safe, pregnancy massage experts avoid deep massage and strong pressure on the legs. Using strong pressure could dislodge a blood clot.
What pressure points should be avoided during pregnancy?
Although there is no consensus on the full spectrum of forbidden points,3 those most frequently cited as contraindicated throughout pregnancy (at least before 37 weeks) are SP6, LI4, BL60, BL67, GB21, LU7, and points in the lower abdomen (eg, CV3–CV7) and sacral region (eg, BL27–34).
What is included in a pregnancy massage?
The therapist will avoid deep tissue massage here and instead use light, relaxing and long strokes which help circulation. If you would like your masseuse to massage your pregnant belly, this is possible, but it will again be gentle, using long strokes, designed to make you feel comfortable, womanly and at ease.
What is different about a prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage predominantly uses the Swedish massage technique, which focuses on long, sweeping strokes with only minimal pressure applied to the body. Deep tissue pressure, which is common in other therapeutic massages, won't be used as it could potentially be harmful to mother or baby.
Do you lay on your stomach during a prenatal massage?
Can I lay on my stomach during a massage? As long as you are comfortable, laying on your stomach during a massage will not hurt your baby.
What position are you in for a prenatal massage?
Most prenatal massage is done in the side-lying position, since pregnant women should limit the time they spend on their back, and face-down massage gets difficult as the pregnancy rounds out.