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PRENATAL MASSAGE

Prenatal Massage Massage therapy is used to improve overall health, decrease stress, and relieve muscle aches and pains. Pregnant women have received varying responses regarding the safety and indications of massage during pregnancy. Data has proven that prenatal massage can be an important addition to prenatal care and should be considered when appropriate.  

Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Studies indicate that massage therapy during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Myofacial Release is the recommended method during pregnancy because it addresses many discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

Hormone regulation
Data suggests hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. Stress related hormones are reduced while hormones associated with relaxation and decreased depression is increased after massage. These changes in hormone levels lead to fewer complications during labor and delivery, as well as fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight.

Reduction of swelling
Edema of the joints during pregnancy can be caused by impaired circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the uterus. Massage stimulates soft tissues to reduce fluid accumulation in joints, which also improves the removal of tissue waste.
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Improvement of nerve pain
Sciatica often occurs in pregnant women in the late second trimester and third trimester.  The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and compress nearby nerves. Massage decreases inflammation of nerves (and, therefore, sciatica) by helping to release the tension in the muscles on nearby nerves. Many women have experienced significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage.
Other benefits of prenatal massage:

• Reduced back and joint pain
• Improved circulation
• Improves skin elasticity, reducing stretch marks
• Reduced muscle tension and headaches
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Prepares body for delivery by loosening pelvis and reducing tension
• Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
• Better sleep
• Improves digestion
• Relaxes and soothes fetus

Precautions to take when seeking Prenatal Massage
Women should discuss massage with their prenatal care provider. The best way to address the risks of prenatal massage is to be well informed and to work together with knowledgeable massage therapists.

Body position during prenatal massage
Many consider the best position for a pregnant woman during massage is prone (face down). Tables that provide a hole in which the uterus can fit (some tables also have holes where the breasts fit through) are becoming more popular, specifically in facilities tailored to prenatal massage. buhnaun is proud to offer this type of Prenatal massage experience.  


Cut out table benefits:

• Overall more comfortable
• Patients often can stretch out more than when lying on side
• Some moms miss lying on tummy
• Therapists can better access entire body and conduct more efficacious massage of lower back, extremities, ligaments and front/back of legs
• Overall better circulation with a more thorough massage
• 99% of patients prefer this position over side lying

Seek out a massage therapist experienced in prenatal massage
Our massage therapists know how to address specific pregnancy needs and sensitive areas of the body.  Trained prenatal massage therapists are aware of pressure points on the ankles and wrists that can gently stimulate pelvic muscles, including the uterus. These therapists are trained to avoid intentional pressure to these areas during pregnancy in order to decrease the likelihood of preterm contractions. That being said, We also can focus on those same sensative points as an alternative to being induced into labor when you come to full term or beyond.

Women with the following conditions should speak with their health care provider prior to receiving a massage:

• High risk pregnancy
• Any disease process that massage would be contraindicated in the non-pregnant patient)
• Pregnancy induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia
• Vaginal bleeding (or if diagnosed with placenta previa)
• Abdominal pain
• History of blood clots
• History of preterm labor or preterm contractions in current pregnancy
• Severe swelling, high blood pressure, or sudden, severe headaches
• Decreased or no fetal movement over the past 24 hours
• Recent birth

Is prenatal massage safe throughout the entire pregnancy?
Women can receive massage at any point in their pregnancy, regardless of trimester. Many facilities refuse to massage women in the first trimester because of risk of miscarriage. This is untrue. There is no evidence that miscarriage has ever been caused by massage.  Some forms of massage can induce labor in advanced pregnancy, and this may be the origin of misconceptions regarding first trimester massage.  In fact, acupressure in some areas can reduce symptoms of morning sickness, a common symptom experienced in the first trimester.

Summary
The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for pregnant women. Along with the advice of a prenatal care provider, massage can be incorporated into routine prenatal care. Nausea and dizziness can occur after any massage, pregnant or non-pregnant.  Avoid eating immediately before massage and get up from massage carefully to avoid problems.  Muscle soreness after massage is the result of not getting enough fluids after massage.  Drink plenty of water in the first two hours after massage to help prevent this.  Consult your health care provider before beginning any new therapeutic practice.​​