Pregnancy Massage: Worthwhile or Dangerous?
Congratulations on expecting a baby! Quite understandably, many pregnant women long for the relief and rejuvenation of a massage. At the same time, like everything in pregnancy, from belly dancing to Brie cheese, Shiatsu to sushi, right-side lying to rollerblading, we wonder about its benefits, and whether it’s safe. And with good reason. Massage, on the whole, is really fine during pregnancy, with a few caveats for caution.
How Pregnancy Massage Can Be Done Safely
The key to a safe pregnancy massage is that the practitioner be licensed, and trained specifically in pregnancy massage techniques. This usually means that the uterine or pelvic areas are handled correctly, and that no meridian (acupressure) points are pressed which could lead to uterine contractions. Pregnancy massage, therefore, is usually a combination of Swedish and deep tissue massage, because neither uses acupressure techniques.
The other aspect of a safe pregnancy massage is timing. At Sky Sea & Spa we subscribe to the notion that massage is safe in pregnancy after the first trimester. This is because hormones have stabilized to safer levels, and you likely feel better overall anyway. In addition, your comfort is of primary concern, particularly in the last couple of months, but any time after your belly starts to enlarge, you might feel more comfortable lying or sitting in certain positions. Pregnancy massage is usually performed either side-lying or sitting, with some practitioners working with a massage table with a hole for the belly.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
A safe pregnancy massage can feel like a life saver. Here are some benefits of pregnancy massage:
- Muscle tension release. Quite the necessity during pregnancy, oftentimes especially in the lower back and hips.
- Sciatica relief. By massaging and jostling the areas around the sciatic nerve, the pain might be alleviated.
- Increases blood flow. This is key to pregnancy due to the extra blood volume circulating for you and your baby. By increasing the blood flow, pregnancy massage can alleviate varicose veins aches, as well as swollen ankles. Just be sure to drink before, during and after any massage, particularly during pregnancy – fluid intake is crucial for blood circulation.
- Relaxation. Your body is working hard for your baby, and massages are famous for relaxation. The warmth, the rhythm of the movements, and the energy flow all work to relax you, especially in the spa setting. You feel like a queen, well-deservedly!
- Dedicated time just for you. In the modern day, a pregnant woman generally keeps to her regular routine, often until the day she gives birth. Massage provides a space for you to have your own time, relax, release, rejuvenate, and reflect. Nice, right?
Pregnancy massage is like an oasis – a wellspring of offerings to you just when you need it most. Just be sure to work with a pregnancy massage expert in order to ensure your safety. Once you know the safety aspects are covered, you’ll be able to rest with ease and comfort into the world of pregnancy massage splendor.