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The Benefits of a Pregnancy Massage
by Rosa Ghidella 

Many of us know how wonderful it  feels to have a soothing and Relaxing massage to ease
muscular aches & pains. During  pregnancy, when a  woman experiences so many changes
to her  body, a prenatal or pregnancy massage can offer significant benefits to herself  her
unborn child.

What is a pregnancy massage all about? 

Pregnancy is a major life experience. A pregnancy or  prenatal massage  is a  therapeutic
massage which focuses on the specific needs of a pregnant woman as she goes through
the array of changes experienced at this time.    

During  pregnancy, a  woman’s  body  is continually adapting  to the new life growing within.
It is  important  for  a woman  to focus  on  her  wellbeing, strength  vitality  at  this  time as
pregnancy can add additional stressors on the physical & emotional wellbeing of the mother.

Massages are generally conducted once a woman has passed her 1^st trimester (i.e. the first
12 weeks  of pregnancy), although  a very  gentle massage  across the neck  and shoulders
can be  offered if  there have  been no complications or difficulties during the current or past pregnancies.  

A pregnancy massage is best conducted with the woman lying on her side, propped by
pillows, or sitting up. It is  difficult for  a pregnant woman  to lie face  down  as this can
put a strain on the lower back, pelvis and uterus. After the first 22 weeks of pregnancy,
lying  flat on one’s back can place  significant pressure on  deep blood vessels, and can
cut off circulation.    

A qualified massage therapist trained in pregnancy or prenatal massage will be able to
assess the best possible position. 

Benefits of a pregnancy massage  

There are numerous benefits of massage generally.  For a pregnant woman, the benefits
are experienced not only for herself, but also for her unborn child. 

Massage is a wonderful stress reliever & can help promote relaxation and improved
sleep patterns. The  nurturing  touch of  an experienced massage therapist will help
to relax and address fatigue and exhaustion. 

Massage offers relief to muscular tension  aches  pains. Back ache in pregnancy can occur
as a result of ligaments and joints being softened by hormonal changes within the body.

Sciatica is also common as the baby can exert pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing
numbness or weakness in the gluteals, buttocks and legs. 

Many women also experience pressure and swelling in their joints, related to normal weight
gain. Oedema (fluid  retention), leg  cramps  and carpal tunnel are also common, particularly
in the  third  trimester, as swelling  leads to pressing  down on nerves and restricting blood
supply. Gentle massage can ease swelling and reduce cramping that may occur.  

Headaches and migraine is experienced by a significant  number of pregnant women due to hormonal changes the dilation of blood vessels in the brain. Poor posture during pregnancy
can also lead to headaches and tension in the neck and shoulder area.  

Massage helps to increase circulation of lymph blood supply effectively relieves swelling,
improves drainage of toxic wastes and minimises the risk of varicose veins developing.

Massage to the abdomen can be a very moving  experience as often the baby will respond
to this touch. An  abdominal  massage can  also help  minimize stretch  marks and address
dry skin.

Is it safe? 
Massage during pregnancy is usually safe for most mothers. A qualified massage therapist
would need to take a detailed case history. If there  are, or have been, any  complications
in the current or any previous pregnancies, it is important that the massage therapist
be informed about these. 

Sometimes, approval from a primary health care professional or a medical practitioner is
required. 

Some of the conditions or situations where a pregnancy massage is not advisable without
first  consulting  a  doctor  include  where  there  is heavy discharge, diabetes, contagious
illnesses, abdominal pain, high blood pressure, or any malignant condition.   

How often? 

A good massage can take anywhere between 15 minutes and one hour.   

A regular massage during one’s pregnancy is an excellent way to ease ongoing discomfort.   

Some women  choose  monthly  massages in the 2^nd trimester and then increase these to
weekly or fortnightly in the 3^rd trimester. 

Post Partum Care 

Once the baby is born, it is essential that a woman continue to care for her health, as a new
baby will place many demands on her energy. Ongoing massage after the birth can assist in promoting relaxation at a time when normal sleep patterns are disrupted.

New mothers can benefit from the physical and emotional benefits of a massage, at a time
when they give so much to their newborn baby.  Massage will also work to assist the body
in healing itself and recovering from the pressure of the pregnancy and childbirth.