Experts recommend a prenatal massage during your pregnancy as you deserve the utmost care during this crucial phase of your life. As you start experiencing aches or discomfort during your pregnancy, you might search for a massage therapist online, ask for recommendations from friends or family members in your mother’s social media groups, and so on.
However, is it safe to get a massage during pregnancy? Do you need to take any precautions before getting a massage when you are a ‘would-be mom’?
Let’s reveal the secrets of this massage therapy and explore what pregnant women should ensure before scheduling a relaxing massage specially designed for them.
What is a Prenatal Massage?
Let’s begin with the basics. A prenatal massage focuses on meeting the unique needs of expecting moms. Professional massage therapists deploy modified massage techniques. They ensure the proper positioning of their pregnant clients for the safety and comfort of both the mother and the baby in her womb.
More importantly, a pregnancy massage promotes relaxation, minimizes stress and anxiety, and relieves common discomforts during pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Get a Massage During Pregnancy?
Yes. A well-executed maternity massage is entirely safe during pregnancy. As a precaution, it is advisable to take your doctor’s approval before approaching your massage therapist.
Among the many changes to a woman’s body during pregnancy, some may be particularly uncomfortable. This specialised massage helps relieve aches, pains, and discomforts safely.
What Should You Ask Your Therapist While Scheduling Your Massage?
As you inquire about the pregnancy massage service and fill out the intake form, please never hesitate to ask the following crucial questions to your therapist. These investigations will help you ensure your safety and make an informed decision.
1. Are You a Trained and Certified Maternity Massage Therapist?
Please ensure that you are in safe hands. Ask your therapist about the specialized training and certification from a reputable institution. Usually, professional therapists receive at least a week-long intensive workshop on massaging pregnant women.
That way, you can rest assured that the person offering the massage session knows the technicalities and intricacies of this massage treatment.
2. How Experienced Are You in This Specialized Massage During Pregnancy?
Ask about the therapist’s experience. Ask how many pregnant clients take massage from him monthly. Also, ask how long the therapist has been in this profession.
Ensure that the person is not a novice. Your massage session should not be an experiment for your therapist. However, they must be confident about what exactly they need to do.
3. How Will You Position Me During the Massage?
Understand proper positioning during the massage beforehand. The ideal positioning differs based on your pregnancy trimesters.
- Ensure that the therapist allows you to lie on your tummy only during the first 14 weeks of your pregnancy.
Here are a few positioning options during the second and third trimester:
- Preferably side-lying with a belly pillow or on a table with a cutout for the baby.
- Between the 15th and 21st week of pregnancy, you should lie supine with an under-hip pillow.
- A reclining or seating position after the 22nd week of your pregnancy.
4. How Will You Ensure My (and My Baby’s) Safety During the Massage?
The safety measures your therapist takes during your massage session are worth knowing about. Here are some significant considerations:
- Getting your doctor’s approval beforehand is a must.
- Maintaining hygiene is paramount.
- Using appropriate essential oils is also a concern.
- The therapist must position you in a recommended way (already discussed above).
- Your therapist must avoid some pressure techniques and areas while massaging. For instance, deep pressure on the legs may lead to blood clots, and applying pressure on some acupressure points may cause labor. Your therapist should avoid these.
Wrapping Up
The guide highlights key considerations to keep in mind before opting for a prenatal massage. We hope that you make an informed decision while getting your relaxing massage sessions to obtain pain and stress relief during your pregnancy by following the guidelines discussed here.
FAQs
Q 1: What is Prenatal Massage?
Ans: It is a massage therapy specially designed for pregnant women, focusing on pain and stress relief, while ensuring the safety of the pregnant woman and her baby.
Q 2: Do You Need Your Doctor’s Approval Before a Maternity Massage?
Ans: Yes. It is advisable to consult your gynecologist to examine your health condition and get a green signal before you book your first appointment with a maternity massage therapist.
Q 3: When Should You Avoid a Pregnancy Massage?
Ans: If you are pregnant and experiencing health issues, including uterine bleeding, swelling, leg cramps, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes, you should avoid taking a pregnancy massage.
Q 4: How Can You Schedule a Massage Session During Pregnancy?
Ans: Please visit the best spa massage therapist’s website and click the ‘Book Now’ button, or fill out their contact form to leave your details and get a call back
