Prenatal Massage

Posted: November 7th, 2011

Women who are pregnant may benefit from prenatal massage therapy. Prenatal massage can help lower your stress levels, reduce any aches and pains you may be feeling, make you less anxious and depressed, lower the amount of swelling you experience, improve your circulation and help you sleep better. Women who regularly get massages during pregnancy may even have better labor outcomes and healthier babies. When looking for a massage therapist, choose one who is certified in prenatal massage, as not all massage programs provide enough training in this area. The best type of massage for pregnant women is Swedish massage, since this type of tissue manipulation best helps with the issues commonly found in pregnancy. Prenatal massage is safest when done with the pregnant woman lying on her side. Before signing up for a massage, check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you. Women who have high risk pregnancies, prenatal hypertension, severe swelling, preeclampsia or a previous preterm birth may be better off avoiding prenatal massage. Some doctors recommend avoiding massage during the first trimester, since there is a slight chance it may increase your risk for miscarriage. Advise your massage therapist if you have been having Braxton Hicks contractions, as she should avoid massaging certain pressure points if this is the case to help limit the risk for bringing on preterm labor. Your doctor may be able to recommend a good massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage therapy, or you can call Space Coast Massage & Spa at 321-729-9000, which offers this service.