Is massage safe during pregnancy? Things to consider

Pregnant woman on a beach

If you're expecting a baby, you may want to consider getting regular massage sessions. But is this safe during pregnancy? There are many benefits of massage during pregnancy. Regular massages can help relieve stress and anxiety, boost your mood, and improve sleep quality. However, there are certain precautions you need to take before going into a prenatal massage session. In this blog post, we'll look at what types of massages are safe during pregnancy as well as some common concerns women have before getting their first prenatal massage appointment

Is Massage safe during pregnancy?

The answer to the first question is a resounding "yes." In fact, massage can be an excellent way to reduce tension and stress during pregnancy. But that doesn't mean you should just wander into your local massage parlor and ask for a prenatal massage like it's no big deal. There are some important things to consider before receiving any kind of bodywork from a licensed professional during your pregnancy.

First, make sure that whoever is giving you the massage has been trained in working with pregnant clients — this means having at least 500 hours of education (which can take three years or more) under their belt as well as being certified or licensed by one of the major associations in their field such as AMTA or ABMP (American Bodywork & Massage Professionals). Make sure they're also aware of what poses are safe during pregnancy and which aren't; if they don't know or seem uncomfortable answering questions about this topic, find someone else!

Physical and mental health benefits of getting a massage during pregnancy

As with any medical treatment, it's important to discuss the physical and mental health benefits of getting a massage during pregnancy as well as the potential risks. Massage therapy has several benefits for pregnant women:

It helps ease muscle tension. Pregnancy can cause a lot of stress on the body, which can lead to muscle tension in her back or legs. Massage may be able to relieve some of that stress by helping you relax and get more comfortable in your own skin.

It reduces stress levels by releasing oxytocin—the "feel good" hormone released when we bond with others—and other endorphins into our bodies, which are chemicals associated with positive feelings like happiness and enjoyment (but also pain relief!). In this way, getting regular massages can be extremely beneficial.

Massage promotes better sleep by reducing cortisol levels in the body—a hormone that stimulates alertness when released at night but also keeps us awake when released during the day due to stressors like deadlines or arguments with friends/family members etc... So basically: massaging helps promote better quality sleep so that you don't feel tired all day long!

Pregnant woman standing in front of the window , black and white

Not all massages are safe during pregnancy. Here are possible risks

However, not all massages are safe during pregnancy. If you choose to get a massage while pregnant, it's important that the person who performs your massage has been properly trained and is experienced in prenatal massage. You should also avoid deep abdominal work, pressure on the abdomen, and any areas of your body that may be inflamed or swollen.

If you have concerns about getting a professional massage during pregnancy, consult with your doctor first.

 

When getting a massage, there are a few things that you should be aware of, both before and during your massage session.

One thing you should always consider when getting a massage is the safety of your environment. If you don’t feel comfortable, then it may not be the right time or place for you to get a massage.

It's also important to know and trust your therapist. They should educate themselves on what is safe and recommended during pregnancy as well as any conditions that might make massage therapy risky or uncomfortable (such as varicose veins). The therapist should also ask questions about your medical history before beginning treatment so they can adjust their technique accordingly if needed—for example by avoiding certain pressure points on the ankles or abdomen altogether if they're known triggers for nausea or vomiting in some women during pregnancy.

Finally: remember that all bodies are different! Massage therapists need to know what pressure feels good for each individual person—and if someone says something hurts too much at any point during treatment, then stop immediately!

Getting the right kind of prenatal massage regularly can help boost your mood, enhance your sleep quality and reduce any stress or anxiety you have during pregnancy.

You can get a prenatal massage during all three trimesters of your pregnancy.

Prenatal massage has many benefits for expecting mothers and their babies:

Improved mood: Getting the right kind of prenatal massage regularly can help boost your mood, enhance your sleep quality and reduce any stress or anxiety you have during pregnancy.

Reduced back pain: Prenatal massages are especially helpful in relieving back pain that's often caused by carrying extra weight on top of a weak core or tight muscles in your lower body (like those in the calves). Massage therapists will use techniques like gentle muscle stretching, and deep pressure on knots or adhesions to help reduce pain.

Conclusion

If you want to know more about pregnancy massage, talk to your doctor or OB-GYN. They can help you decide if it is right for you and how often it should be done. We are also here to help answer any questions that you might have about pregnancy-related pain and prenatal massage. Our licensed massage therapists are prenatal certified and ready to help you feel so much better!

Pregnant woman on a beach

Posted on Mon, Sep 19, 2022

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