Pregnancy massage (pre-natal and post-natal massage)

Overview:
Pregnancy massage (aka Prenatal massage) is a specialized version of Swedish massage for pregnant women. Regular massages during pregnancy can improve some of the symptoms that accompany pregnancy, leaving a happier and healthier mother and baby. Use of massage during pregnancy has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, reduce swelling, and address muscle aches and sciatica. Please check with your physician before starting pregnancy massage.

A therapist trained in prenatal massage understands the steps required to ensure the safety of the fetus, as well as modifications that improve the comfort and of the mother. This can include special equipment to accommodate the expanded uterus, including special tables, bolsters, and cushions. The massage itself generally occurs while lying on the side, although some therapists have developed support systems to allow for back massage without stretching the uterine ligaments or stimulating pelvic and uterine muscles.

Some therapists, trained as doulas, may even be available to support the mother through the birthing process. Specific forms, such as craniosacral, are also strongly associated with pregnancy.

Benefits:
Pregnancy can be extremely uncomfortable! As any woman who has been there before will tell you, carrying the extra weight of a developing child can lead to pain in the back, legs and feet. Due to the hormonal changes that a women’s body undergoes, all the ligaments in your body become more relaxed and your posture shifts forward, increasing the strain on your back. Increased internal pressure from a growing fetus can place pressure on nerves and muscles, increasing muscle pain and commonly causing lower back pain, sciatica, and swelling of legs and ankles. In addition, hormonal changes can lead to stress, depression, and severe headaches.

Pregnancy massage can improve hormonal states, alleviate aches and pains, and improve circulation. Pregnancy can also be extremely stressful, and the soothing human touch of a good massage therapist helps relieve emotional stress as well as physical stress. Some massage therapists will also train your partner in some simple massage techniques that can be used to provide relief and support during labor.

How it works:
The technique used is generally a modified form of Swedish massage. Pregnancy massage uses special positioning and equipment to make sure the baby is safe and the mother is comfortable during therapy. Some therapists choose to use special massage tables or special pillows that allow women to lie facedown, but other therapists feel this puts stress on uterine ligaments and the lower back. Make sure to let your therapist know if you are not comfortable with how you are positioned!

The massage therapist will work on areas that expectant mothers experience stress in, unless the woman’s doctor has advised otherwise. Even if the doctor feels that massaging the lower back or abdomen is unsafe, a gentle massage of the hands and face can still help relieve stress. Gentle massage strokes are key- deep tissue work should not be attempted on pregnant women.

Other types of massage may be indicated for specific issues that accompany pregnancy. Massage techniques targeted to relieving headaches, improving mood, reducing back pain, relieving sciatica, reducing swelling of the feet/ ankles, or touch therapy aimed at improving well-being and emotional state may all be areas of focus relevant to a pregnant woman. Post-pregnancy work specific to speeding recovery from natural or cesarean childbirth may also be indicated.

Specialized equipment:

• Pillows to increase comfort for side-lying
• Massage Tables with various semi-reclining positions
• Pregnancy Massage tables with special holes cut out for breasts and abdomen (ensure that support is adequate—inadequate support can stretch uterine ligaments)
• Pregnancy bolsters: Padding and pillows arranged in specific positions to allow the woman to lie face-down with adequate support

Keywords:
pregnancy, prenatal, edema, sciatica, headache, swelling, post-partum, back pain, depression, post-natal, cesarean, childbirth

History:

Compare styles:

• A) Pressure applied: 2/5
• B) Fluidity of stroke-3/5
• C) % of body massaged: 3/5

Preparing for your visit: In many cases, the massage therapist will come to you, visiting offices, events, and even working in public spaces. Wear loose clothing and try to stay away from the caffeine immediately before your massage.

User experience:

Reviews:

Recommended Resources:
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/prenatalmassage.html

Field, T. (1999). Pregnant Women Benefit From Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mar;20(1):31-8.

Field, T. (2004). Massage Therapy Effects on Depressed Pregnant Women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jun;25(2):115-22.

Heimlich, Patti, RMT, CD, ICCE, The Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy, Labor & Postpartum. www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/houston/massage/htm.

Howell ,Julie, NMT, PMT, Prenatal Health Through Massage Therapy: For Women and Their Babies. www.newlifejournal.com/decjan03/howell/01/03/full.shtml.