pregnancy Massage

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What is pregnancy massage? 

Massage during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork, which focuses on the unique needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience. Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Research shows prenatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Prenatal massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques, one of which is called Swedish Massage.

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. A study by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed that massage 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 nurtures the new life that grows within her. 

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage:

Mental Benefits:

• Lower levels of stress (the hormone cortisol)
• Higher levels of feel-good hormones (serotonin and dopamine)
• Relieves anxiety and depression
• Causes relaxation (this helps with sleep)

Physical Benefits:

• Relieves stress on weight-bearing joints
• Relieves lower back pain
• Helps with headaches
• Alleviates leg cramps and stiffness
• Reduces fatigue
• Neck pain help
• Increases blood circulation
• Stabilizes hormones

According to massagemag.com, "(prenatal massage) Supports the return of blood to the heart and increases blood flow to the uterus and placenta. With the enormous demands placed on the circulatory system during pregnancy, blood volume may increase up to 60 percent compared to pre-pregnancy levels."

• Promotes better sleep
• Faster and or easier labor
• Reduces Edema
• Reduces muscle tension
• Improves soft tissue and muscle oxygenation

At what trimester can I have a massage?

For your and your baby's safety, the Sunflower Spa does not perform any massage during the first trimester.  In our opinion, this is the time for the mother to get comfortable with being pregnant. The second and third trimesters are beautiful times to begin the prenatal massage. The Sunflower Spa recommends you consult your doctor before receiving a massage. 

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, we recommend approval from your primary healthcare 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 
• Preeclampsia 
• High blood pressure 
• Morning sickness 
• Abdominal pain 
• Diarrhea 
• Any malignant condition

The Therapist does not give direct and sustained pressure to the space between the ankle bone and heel. Many massage therapists and reflexologists consider this area to relate to the uterus and vagina, and it is thought that heavy pressure could promote early labor. Assuming no other precautions or considerations exist, it should be all right to massage the rest of the feet. 

How is the massage performed?

Pregnancy massage can be done in several ways; we provide a unique table. The pregnancy table is designed for pregnant moms to lie flat on their stomachs, no matter how far along they are. It accomplishes this with a deep center cutout in the table/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. 

Essential Oils to avoid:

Certain oils like oregano, peppermint, thyme, sage, and rosemary have been known to promote uterine contraction. 

Areas of Focus:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Arms
• Back (especially the lower back, as it is usually a source of pain during pregnancy)
• Legs (calves)
• Feet (Make sure your massage therapist avoids your ankles, pressure points near your ankles can cause your uterus to contract.)

Things to consider:

• Because the mom-to-be has 20% more blood flow when pregnant, we suggest you let the therapist know if the temperature is comfortable for you..
• Go to the bathroom before starting. The sudden urge "to go" comes on frequently due to the pressure on the bladder.
• Go slow when you get off the table. Your blood pressure will be reduced due to relaxation. However, that can cause dizziness or nausea.

During your prenatal massage, you may feel uncomfortable about certain things. Here are some everyday things people feel uneasy about:

• Falling asleep (It's your session, your 'me' time, it doesn't matter.)
• Flatulence (It is a natural response, don't worry about it, especially when your prego.)
• Body Hair (Your massage therapist focuses on your muscles and works to help you feel good; they don't care that your legs are not shaved. Plus, most women don't have time and cannot bend over when pregnant to shave their legs)

What to do after Massage?

• Drink even more water
• Set up another appointment
• Relax

What about after I have the baby?

Postpartum massage is designed to help restore the body to its pre-pregnant condition. It also addresses the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn. It can speed the recovery by relieving sore muscles and helping the mother relax more easily. Abdominal massage helps shrink the uterus and reduce subcutaneous scar tissue. It may be given as early as 24 hours after a vaginal delivery, but only with written permission from your doctor or midwife. 

Massage may benefit you and your baby regardless of where you are in the childbearing year. 

Information provided by Kelly Lott, RMT 

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/prenatal-massage/