Originally published on September 1, 2022 by Vital Physiotherapy & Wellness, now part of the Bravella Health network. Original author: Kimberly Landreville.
Prenatal massage can be extremely beneficial throughout the stages of pregnancy as it helps improve many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts.
Most of our clients at Vital will start prenatal massage therapy care during the beginning of their second trimester. Swedish massage is a combined variation of techniques most commonly used during treatments as it relaxes muscle tension and helps improve lymphatic and blood circulation. A varied amount of pressure from mild to deep can safely be applied, helping the muscles feel rejuvenated, more mobility and clients often will express better sleep.
Research has shown that prenatal massage can help reduce anxiety, decrease depression symptoms, relieve muscle and joint aches and pains.[1] Evidence based research shows that labour outcomes can reduce back pain during labour and perhaps even improve newborn health.[1,2]
Some of the most common questions we are asked about Prenatal Massage are:
1) What position is a prenatal massage session in?
The massage position is in the sideline position with plenty of proper pillowing for your comfort, some places offer the belly hole pillowing in prone, however here at Vital we do not support this method of positioning as it places too much pressure on the joints with gravity.
2) Is Massage therapy safe for all prenatal clients even if high risk?
Yes, general Swedish techniques administered by an RMT are safe for all clients unless your physician or healthcare provider has advised you otherwise.
3)Can I book a massage near my due date or past?
Yes massage therapy can help relax you before labour by producing endorphins and oxytocin
4) Can a pregnant client have a foot massage?
A light foot massage to help with swelling and circulation is safe, however there are points on the feet that in reflexology can help support induction, thus deep tissue or pressure on those specific points should be avoided
Receiving massage therapy is a good way to make time for yourself and emotionally connect to your baby and your bodily changes. Massage therapy can help stabilize hormones, thus reducing cortisol, which can contribute to premature labour.[1] The increased circulation can reduce swelling and allow more nutrients and oxygen to flow to your baby. It can help with feeling more rested even when sleep can be challenging. The increase of serotonin and dopamine, the feel good mood regulators which can with postpartum emotions afterwards. Other examples are decreased low back pain, sciatica, leg cramps and pain in ligaments in legs and pelvis.[1]
Having massage therapy regularly during your pregnancy can make your prenatal journey more comfortable!
We are here for you! You can book your prenatal massage appointment with us today!
Kimberly
Vital Physiotherapy and Wellness
References
- Field T. Pregnancy and labor massage. Expert Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;5(2):177-181. doi:10.1586/eog.10.12
- Smith CA, Levett KM, Collins CT, Dahlen HG, Ee CC, Suganuma M. Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;3(3):CD009290. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009290.pub3
Let’s Book Your First Appointment
You can relax knowing that you have options. Instead, you can stop feeling like it is your fault and get ready for a life-changing experience.
START YOUR BOOKING
