Muscular tension and stiffness are common pregnancy ailments. Massage therapy during pregnancy can offer relief, while also helping with some of the other uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy. Research supports the notion that prenatal massage therapy can be an important part of prenatal care, according to AmericanPregnancy.org, and warrants careful consideration.
Benefits
American Pregnancy recommends massage, because it is gentle while helping to address the discomforts caused by hormonal, skeletal, and circulatory changes that occur during pregnancy. Massage alters stress hormones that lead to mood regulation and cardiovascular health during pregnancy, according to American Pregnancy.org. Furthermore, these hormone alternations resulted in fewer birth and newborn complication. Massage can also help reduce swelling caused by uterine pressure on major blood vessels, by stimulating soft tissues to the point where they can improve fluid processing. Sciatic nerve pain, leg cramps, backaches, and headaches, can also benefit from massage therapy, according to the Women's Healthcare Topics website.
Considerations
Although most massage training institutions incorporate prenatal massage into their curriculum, American Pregnancy recommends locating a massage therapist certified in prenatal massage. Massaging the wrong areas or focusing on certain acupressure points may actually trigger uterine contractions in some women, according to Women's Healthcare Topics, which makes expertise all the more critical.
Precautions
Many professionals recommend a woman lay on her side during massage. Tables with a hole for the uterus may cause uncomfortable ligament stretching and apply abdominal pressure. Pregnant women with consistent Braxton-Hicks contractions or a history or pre-term labor should alert the therapist so she can avoid particular pressure points. PregnancyToday.com advises massage therapists to avoid open sores, bruises, skin rashes or inflammation, raised or distended varicose veins.
Time Frame
Women can begin massage therapy at any point during pregnancy, and massage is safe during throughout the first, second and third trimester. Pregnant women should be aware that many facilities refuse prenatal massage to women at less than 12 weeks because of the increased statistics for first trimester miscarriage in pregnancy.
Warnings
Many massage therapists incorporate aromatherapy oils into a session that are not advisable during pregnancy, according to Women's Healthcare Topics, in part because they can exacerbate nausea and vomiting. While citrus scented oils, tea tree and ylang-ylang are beneficial during pregnancy, others like arnica, clary sage, fennel, jasmine and juniper, may promote contractions.
PregnancyToday says women should also avoid prenatal massage when experiencing certain pregnancy circumstances. These include heavy discharge that is watery or bloody, gestational diabetes, fever, vomiting, unusual pain, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure.
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