Massages used to be a central component of the prenatal care that a pregnant woman received from her midwife. The use of massage has since fallen by the wayside amid fears of causing miscarriage or harming the woman by dislodging a blood clot. However, most gentle massage techniques are safe for the woman and the baby, and massage during pregnancy may have several health benefits.
Prenatal Massage
Many midwives as well as licensed massage therapists offer prenatal massage. There is no standard way to massage a pregnant woman, according to Joel M. Evans, author of "The Whole Pregnancy Handbook." However, the massage therapist will typically massage your back, abdomen, face and legs firmly but not in a way that causes pain or discomfort. Ideally, the prenatal massage will focus on both you and your baby, because you may both benefit from massage.
Benefits
The purported benefits of prenatal massage are many. Massage exercises and helps to tone the muscles, which helps you prepare for labor. In addition, massage relaxes your aching muscles and may help to relieve pain, as well as help you relax and sleep more easily. The baby may benefit from the massage as well. Some care providers believe that babies enjoy a gentle massage even before they are born. Your massage therapist or midwife can show your partner or even your children how to massage you, which may deepen their connection with you and the baby.
Risks
Although prenatal massage is generally thought to be safe, massaging certain areas may present risks for you and your baby. Some massage therapists believe that massaging the legs or areas with varicose veins may cause blood clots to break free, which can cause problems for both the mother and the baby. Others believe that massaging the areas containing the lymph nodes may release toxins that can harm the baby. Others fear massaging specific areas, such as the feet, which may contain pressure points that can cause labor to begin.
If You Are Interested in a Prenatal Massage
Consult your physician if you are interested in getting a prenatal massage, to make sure that you do not have any underlying conditions that may make prenatal massage inadvisable. Once your obstetrician approves, contact your midwife, if you are using one, or your local massage therapist, if you are interested in getting a prenatal massage. Ask for a license and make sure that the massage therapist is experienced with prenatal massage before you begin.
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