A massage during your pregnancy helps reduce stress and swelling while relieving minor pains you experience. According to the American Pregnancy Association, prenatal massage is generally safe throughout your pregnancy, but certain precautions reduce the risk of side effects or complications in the pregnancy. Consult with your physician if you have a high-risk pregnancy or other concerns about getting a prenatal massage.
Risk Factors
While most pregnant women are able to receive massages, certain conditions may lead to potential complications or health problems with a massage. Get your doctor or midwife's approval if you have experienced problems in the pregnancy like premature labor, placenta problems, pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes. Medical conditions you already had before pregnancy are also risky with prenatal massage, including high blood pressure, heart problems, lupus or varicose veins. In some cases, only certain areas need to be avoided, such as the location of a blood clot, rashes or skin wounds.
Positioning
Lying on your back puts both you and your baby at risk by slowing blood flow through the body. A stomach-lying position is uncomfortable and dangerous, especially once your abdomen begins growing. Some massage therapists offer special tables with a hole to accommodate your stomach, but the weight of the baby pulls on the abdominal muscles, and the table may still allow pressure on the abdominal area. Lying on your side is often the recommended position for comfort and safety.
Pressure Points
Pressure points throughout the body stimulate different reflexes and reactions in the body. On a pregnant woman, spots in the ankles and wrists are known to stimulate muscles in the uterus and other muscles in the pelvis. This stimulation is a particular concern in women who have already dealt with early contractions. The massage therapist should avoid these areas completely, even in a woman with a healthy pregnancy, to avoid any potential problems.
Experience
The experience of the massage therapist is a crucial factor in prenatal massage. As a precaution, choose only a licensed massage therapist with specialized training in prenatal massage. The extra training and experience allows her to use techniques that reduce complications during a prenatal massage. Look for referrals from your prenatal health care provider. Ask about the massage therapist's qualifications and experience before booking your appointment.
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