There are certain questions we hear frequently regarding massage during pregnancy. We intend to provide you with the information you seek and ease your mind about some of the common myths surrounding massage for pregnant women.
Pregnancy Massage
- I heard you shouldn't have your feet massaged when you are pregnant. Is that true?
- Do I have to stop receiving massage close to my due date?
- Sometimes the skin on my belly feels so tight. Is it safe to have it massaged?
- How often should I receive massage when I am pregnant?
- Do you use a table or cushions that allow me to lay face down during a massage?
Labor Massage
Post Partum Massage
Q: I heard you shouldn't have your feet massaged when you are pregnant. Is that true?
A: Not true. Now more than ever your feet need relief from joint pressure and swelling. But there are acupressure points around the ankles and feet that, when actively and aggressively worked, can bring on contractions. This is handy during labor, but those specific places and techniques are carefully avoided until then. This is one of the many reasons to see a knowledgeable, pregnancy-certified therapist.
Back to TopQ: Do I have to stop receiving massage close to my due date?
A: You may be relieved to know that in most cases it is safe (and beneficial!) to receive massage up to your due date and beyond. Many women schedule a session on their due date so they have something to look forward to if they have not yet gone into labor. A massage is a great way to prepare your body for the experience of giving birth. Women on bed rest should receive modified massage, (very light pressure on extremities and no abdominal massage) and you should always consult your doctor if you have special circumstances.
Back to TopQ: Sometimes the skin on my belly feels so tight. Is it safe to have it massaged?
A: With proper technique and pressure levels, absolutely. By policy we do not massage abdomens in the first trimester. It is completely safe, as your uterus is still the size of a plum and protected by the bony structure of the pelvis. However, due to the high incident of miscarriage in the first trimester we avoid it because it tends to cause some anxiety, and the object of the massage is to reduce stress. After 12 weeks it is your option to request massage on your belly with light, circular strokes. This promotes skin elasticity and circulation to the general area. Especially in the third trimester, we like to think of it as baby's first massage. According to the mothers, they seem to like it very much!
Back to TopQ: How often should I receive massage when I am pregnant?
A: Each woman and each pregnancy is different, so there is no standard answer for this question. If you are planning to use massage therapy as an integral part of your prenatal care we suggest once a month in the first trimester, twice a month in the second and third. If you are having a difficult pregnancy with back pain, sharp leg and hip pains or sleeplessness we recommend increasing your session to 1 1 /2 hours or coming once a week in the last trimester.
Back to TopQ: Do you use a table or cushions that allow me to lay face down during a massage?
We do not use “Prego Pillows” or tables with holes for the belly. Our belief is receiving a massage with such items is counterproductive to why so many of you need a massage – to relieve back pain. We use special ergonomic cushions used to place you on your sides or semi-reclined so there is no pressure on the abdomen whatsoever, and the spine and surrounding muscles are able to relax. They are so comfortable many of our clients want to take them home!
Back to TopLabor Massage
Q: Are you sure my husband won't feel replaced?
The presence of a labor massage therapist is usually a great relief to the partners of laboring women. It takes the pressure off of them to be "the expert" about birthing and allows them to do what they do best: love their spouse. You might imagine your husband kneeling with his face close to yours, whispering words of support, while your therapist stands on the other side of the bed and works to ease your low back pain. Having a therapist there also enables the partner to leave for a few minutes to get food or inform relatives with the confidence that you are not being left alone at any time.
Back to TopQ: What if I have an epidural?
The emotional support continues to have an emotional and physiological effect on your labor process regardless of medication. Immediately following an epidural is a great time to receive upper body massage to relieve the muscular strain of earlier contractions. And, unfortunate but true, some epidurals are "one-sided"; massage can aid in circulation to balance the medication in your body.
Post Partum Massage
Q: How soon after delivery can I receive another massage?
In most cases, as soon as you like. We have given massages as soon as one hour after the birth of the baby, and it seems to make a real difference in post partum recovery. Massage soon after delivery can aid recovery by increasing your circulation and cleansing toxins like lactic acid from your muscles (after all, you’ve just run the marathon of all marathons!) We like to be able to help as soon as possible, but realistically there are issues surrounding the logistics of childcare and feeding times. Although we do not provide childcare, you are welcome to bring a caregiver with you. Then you can receive your massage without worry, and feed your infant before or after your session. Women who have had a Cesarean-section usually need to wait a few weeks and bring written approval from their physician.