All About Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative experience, but it can also bring about physical discomforts and emotional stress. From aching muscles to hormonal changes, many expectant mothers struggle with a variety of challenges. Prenatal massage, a specialized form of massage therapy tailored to the needs of pregnant women, is a safe and effective way to relieve these discomforts. There are a lot of common misconceptions and myths to bust too!

Pregnancy-Related Aches and Pains

Pregnancy brings significant changes to the body, often leading to musculoskeletal discomfort. As the fetus develops, the parent’s center of gravity shifts, increasing strain on the lower back, hips, and legs. Prenatal massage helps alleviate these common discomforts by reducing muscle tension, improving flexibility, and supporting better posture.

Enhances Circulation and Reduces Swelling

During pregnancy, blood volume increases by up to 50%, which, combined with hormonal changes, can lead to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. Prenatal massage stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow, helping reduce fluid retention and promoting the removal of metabolic waste. Improved blood flow also ensures that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently delivered to both the birthing person and the developing fetus. You should inform your therapist if you have been diagnosed or are experiencing severe or pitting edema.

Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation

Pregnancy can be emotionally and physically demanding, with hormonal fluctuations contributing to mood swings, anxiety, and stress. Prenatal massage encourages relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps lower cortisol levels and increase the release of oxytocin—often referred to as the “bonding hormone.” This promotes emotional well-being and helps expecting parents manage stress more effectively.

Relieves Symptoms of Sciatica

Many pregnant people experience sciatica, especially in the later trimesters, as the growing uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the lower back, hips, and legs. Prenatal massage focuses on relieving tension in the lower back and glutes, reducing nerve compression and providing much-needed relief.

Improves Sleep Quality

Fluctuating hormone levels, physical discomfort, and anxiety about childbirth often lead to poor sleep quality. Prenatal massage promotes relaxation, reduces muscle discomfort, and helps regulate stress hormones, making it easier for pregnant individuals to achieve restful sleep.

Enhances Flexibility and Supports Posture

As pregnancy progresses, changes in weight distribution and hormone-induced ligament laxity can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal imbalances. Prenatal massage helps maintain proper spinal alignment by addressing tight muscles in the back, shoulders, and hips. This not only improves posture but also alleviates tension that can contribute to discomfort.

Promotes Hormonal Balance

Prenatal massage has been shown to help regulate hormones like progesterone, estrogen, and relaxin, which play crucial roles in pregnancy. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, massage therapy supports hormonal balance, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy experience.

Supports Labor Preparation

Prenatal massage not only alleviates pregnancy discomforts but also plays a role in preparing the body for labor. Indirect techniques that promote relaxation and flexibility in the pelvic region can help ease tension in the muscles that will be engaged during childbirth. Additionally, massage may support the body's natural pain-relief mechanisms, potentially leading to a smoother labor and delivery experience.

Safe and Effective Prenatal Massage Practices

Prenatal massage requires specific modifications to ensure the safety of the whole family. Prenatal bolstering systems allow clients to comfortably and safely lay face down for the first time in months during their massage. Side-lying positioning is also recommended after 22 weeks to prevent pressure on the inferior vena cava.

Pregnancy involves many dramatic changes to the body and updates on how your gestation is progressing should be shared with your massage therapists. Pregnant clients aren't fragile, but their condition can certainly be- there are some high-risk conditions related to pregnancy that may require your massage therapist to modify or delay your massage until a conversation with your other prenatal care providers has happened.

Specific conditions your therapist should be made aware of/screening for:

• Sudden spikes in Blood Pressure

• Placenta Previa

• Ectopic Pregnancy

• Placenta Abruption

• Bloody/Watery Discharges

• Local Infections

• Systemic Infections (such as Kidney or UTI)

• Varicose Veins

• High Risk Pregnancies (including: Maternal Age[under 15 or over 35], Multiple Gestations[twins or higher order multiples], Preexisting Conditions, History of Miscarriages, and IVF or Invasive Genetic Testing)

You should also make your therapist aware if you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting (NVP) , Deep Vein Thrombosis (or any venous thromboembolism), Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), Pre-eclampsia, Severe/Pitting Edema(Swelling), and Heartburn or GERD.

Myth busters!

While prenatal massage offers numerous benefits, there are still some misconceptions that might deter prenatal clients from seeking this therapeutic option. Let’s bust some of these myths and clarify the safety and efficacy of prenatal massage:

Myth #1: Avoid Massage During the First Trimester

Reality: It is often recommended that pregnant women avoid certain types of treatments during the first trimester due to the increased risk of miscarriage. However, prenatal massage is generally safe during the first trimester, as long as you work with a trained and experienced therapist. Massage therapy can help alleviate early pregnancy discomforts like nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Myth #2: Essential Oils Are Unsafe During Pregnancy

Reality: Essential oils can be a wonderful addition to prenatal massage! Lavender has long been accused as an unsafe essential oil to use for pregnant clients. There has been no scientific proof that this advice is anything more than an overabundance of caution and a (forgive the expression) old wives tale.

Myth #3: Avoid Foot Reflexology During Pregnancy

Reality: Foot reflexology is a popular form of therapy that targets pressure points on the feet to promote overall health. There’s a common myth that foot reflexology should be avoided during pregnancy because certain pressure points are reflective to the uterus and vagina and believed to induce labor. While it’s true that some reflex points have traditionally been associated with inducing contractions, reflexology can be performed safely during pregnancy with no risk. Many therapists will avoid specific reflex points in the feet that could potentially stimulate labor, but that is not necessary for safe application of foot massage or reflexology. Again, there has been no scientific reports of foot reflexology resulting in premature labor or a loss of an otherwise viable pregnancy.

Before Your Massage

• Eat something light (not a full meal)

• Make a trip to the toilet (nobody likes to interrupt a massage)

• Tell your therapist if there are adjustments that would make your more comfortable

  
  

Postpartum Considerations

It is recommended that postpartum clients wait a minimum of one month before returning for massage therapy to allow their body to readjust to life following a safe and uncomplicated childbirth. Most families will be very busy with major life adjustments in at least that first month, with little time to schedule a massage session anyway.

If complications arose during labor and childbirth, a massage therapist should consult with other members of your healthcare team before proceeding with treatment. Doctors are not experts in what massage therapy techniques are, their benefits, or what conditions would warrant postponing or modifying treatment. An interdisciplinary conversation where your massage therapist briefly describes the techniques they use, the intention and benefits of their work, and why your specific condition gives them pause and a dialogue with your healthcare team's feedback may be called for.

A massage therapist should keep a couple of possible postpartum concerns in mind. Postpartum vaginal discharge can occur following childbirth and menstrual products should be kept available in their clinic. Modifications may also be justified for those who are nursing their newborn, let your therapist know if you are experiencing sore or enlarged breasts or leakage between feedings and keep in mind that breastfeeding is systemically dehydrating.

Let your therapist know if your childbirth was a cesarean delivery as the incision site could take up to 8 weeks to heal properly and if you'd like to request scar tissue massage.

Prenatal Massage is a Safe and Effective Choice

Prenatal massage is a safe and effective treatment that provides numerous benefits for pregnant clients. More than that, prenatal massage is some of the most sacred work massage therapists get to do! It has been proven to be a safe and wonderful addition to one's prenatal care routine. You should ensure you are working with a licensed professional and one who is either specialized or at least trained in prenatal massage to maximize your safety and well-being.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so take the time to listen to your body and keep your therapist updated with changes in your condition. Best of luck and many blessings to you and your growing family!

Accompanying Vlogs: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbyclarkellis.mti/video/7487697407539531054?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7356954434540471851 https://youtube.com/shorts/Uyci_StfjXw?feature=share

Peace and Healing,

Kirby Clark Ellis, MTI, BCTMB