Pregnancy Massage
A Time of Change
Pregnancy is a time of great physical and emotional changes and that change can be stressful. The tension caused by stress, along with the physical changes of pregnancy, can deplete your energy for coping day-to-day. A soothing massage can help to relieve physical and emotional tension, help you sleep better and boost your energy.
How Massage Can Help
Massage can help with many of the aches and pains you experience as your body changes during pregnancy. It can:
- Increase circulation, bringing energy-producing nutrients to your cells
- Relieve pain in your muscles and joints that must support extra weight
- Increase flexibility, making it easier for your body to adjust to additional weight
- Relieve abdominal soreness caused by an active baby's kicks
- Ease constipation, gas and heartburn as general relaxation stimulates intestinal movement
- Reduce excess fluid retention by gently pushing fluid into circulation where it can be eliminated
- Slow the progress of varicose veins as enhanced circulation lowers pressure on bulging veins
- Relieve headaches caused by tension, constipation or buildup of metabolic waste products
What You Can Expect
During your massage, you will be comfortably supported with pillows or cushions and may even find yourself lying face-down for the first time in a while. In later pregnancy, you can get a complete massage quite comfortably on our specially designed pregnancy body cushion, which allows you to lie face down, with no discomfort, even into the last trimester of your pregnancy.
You will be draped with a sheet everywhere except the part of your body that is being massaged. Ask for a lighter drape or less heat in the room if you are too hot. If your sense of smell is sensitive, ask for unscented lotion or oil. It is fine to interrupt your massage when you need to use the restroom.
Besides the immediate relief you get from a massage, you may learn ways to make yourself more comfortable at home. Your therapist can teach you how to use pillows for support when you are lying down, provide feedback on your posture or suggest gentle exercises and stretches to help relieve tension. You might also ask to learn breathing techniques to help you relax.
Massage and the Birthing Process
Before
Massage can help you prepare for the birthing process in several ways. Regular massage to the lower back, abdomen and inner thighs can release chronic tension in these areas for minimal resistance during delivery. Massage also increases your awareness of tension in your body and teaches you how to consciously release it; increasing your confidence and control during labor. You can even prepare for labor by practicing focus, breathing and relaxation techniques while a tender area is being massaged.
During
Massage is part of the birthing process in virtually all tribal cultures in the world. It can help you relax between contractions, reduce pain from tight muscles and provide emotional support and encouragement. Because stress interferes with the production of labor-inducing hormones, there is even evidence that massage can promote a speedier birth.
It is a rare luxury to have your professional massage therapist present at your labor. As an alternative, you may want to share with your birthing partner some massage techniques you find relaxing. Your massage therapist may be able to suggest a massage class for you and your partner or may be willing to meet with you for a private lesson.
After
In the postpartum period, nature sets about undoing in eight weeks what it took nine months to create. Though it may be difficult, it is important to care for yourself as much now as during your pregnancy.
Massage can help you handle the physical demands of caring for a newborn by reducing tension and increasing energy. Massage can speed healing of hemorrhoids or an episiotomy by increasing circulation. If you are nursing, a relaxing massage can help reduce tensions that often interfere with milk letdown. Psychologically, a massage can nurture and comfort you whether or not you are experiencing postpartum "blues".
When to schedule your first postpartum massage will depend on how your delivery went and what your health care provider advises. Discuss options with your massage therapist and ask about having your baby in the room during your massage session.
How You Can Help
Massage is healthful and enjoyable during normal pregnancy. However, because massage is not appropriate for some conditions, your massage therapist will want to know about your general health and your pregnancy. Give as much information as you can and always tell your massage therapist about any changes, even if you are not sure they are important. Remember, any condition you have now affects two people, one of whom is very small.
Be sure to ask any questions you have about massage in general or your session in particular. Tell your massage therapist if anything feels uncomfortable or if there are areas that you would rather not have massaged such as your abdomen. If you are not sure about something, be conservative and see how you feel after each massage.
Massage cannot completely relieve the discomforts of pregnancy. After your massage, the extra weight is still there, the hormonal changes are still happening and the stresses of your life are right where you left them.
However, regular massage during your pregnancy and postpartum weeks can relieve your physical symptoms and help you cope with stress. Because it supports your physical health and vitality, massage can help you more easily adjust to the many changes in your body and the demands of your new life. Just taking time out for a massage can improve your outlook on life, making everything seem easier during this time of so many changes.