Massage during pregnancy: luxury or part of a holistic prenatal care program?

Massage therapy is sometimes thought of as "something I do on vacation," a luxury relegated to special occasions and spa visits. As a certified Pregnancy Massage Therapist, I prefer to think of it as complementary, healthcare. The medical establishment is starting to catch up, and more and more OBs and midwives are recommending massage therapy for their patients. A pregnant woman goes through enormous physical and emotional changes. A Pregnancy Massage Therapist can provide the help you need to get through your pregnancy, labor and postpartum recovery, to motherhood This is one "prescription" that is easy to take.

Receiving regular massage and bodywork helps relieve pregnancy's unique aches and pains caused by extra weight, changing structural alignment, and hormones--not to mention the demands of work, home and family, Taking the time to relax and release held tension ensures more energy and a greater sense of well-being throughout your pregnancy.

Massage therapy improves circulation--which means better nutrition for you and the baby, as well as decreased swelling and varicose veins. Regular massage improves posture, muscle tone and flexibility, training your body for labor. As you learn to recognize and release tight muscles, you will feel better prepared for the demands of active birthing. Studies have shown that regular massage in pregnancy contributes to shorter, less painful labor and can reduce labor complications, medication, and interventions.

So how is pregnancy massage different from other massages? A Pregnancy Massage Therapist is trained to address the specific needs and concerns of pregnant women. Each session is customized for you and your changing body, with different positioning and techniques in each trimester. Pregnancy massage is safe in all trimesters, but is most effective when treatments begin early (no later than the second trimester) before bad patterns get established.

Your massage therapist can work with you on everything from postural alignment, exercise, and the best sleeping positions, to how to relieve leg cramps. If there are any complications with your pregnancy, your massage therapist will be in contact with your doctor or midwife to ensure the most appropriate and effective care. Getting massage every two weeks in the second trimester and weekly in the third trimester will prepare your body for labor and delivery and the demands of a new baby.

You may have heard that you shouldn't get foot massages during pregnancy because it can send you into labor. In fact, there are acupressure points in the legs, ankles and feet that correspond to the reproductive system. Pregnancy Massage Therapists are trained to recognize and avoid these points, so your massage is safe and enjoyable.

How does the massage work if you can't be on your belly? Pregnancy massage is done in the side-lying position. Using specialized cushions or pillows, your massage therapist will work on one side of your body and then the other. This position is most comfortable and sale, and allows easy access to the hips, legs, back and arms.

During labor, massage therapy provides soothing assistance and reassurance. Some Pregnancy Massage Therapists are trained as labor assistants, or doulas, who assist the laboring morn and her partner throughout labor. Having a labor assistant shortens labor, eases pain and anxiety, and often leads to fewer unnecessary interventions.

After delivery, massage can speed up your recovery, releasing the stress of labor, encouraging structural realignment, abdominal restoration, healing from C-section, and relief from the strain of caring for your child. It is generally safe to begin massage therapy immediately after a normal delivery. Some Pregnancy Massage Therapists will visit you at home in the first weeks after delivery. Continuing massage therapy after having your baby is strongly encouraged, allowing you to embrace motherhood with new energy.

Pregnancy and childbirth are as natural as they come. Take good care of yourself, and you'll have what you need to take good care of your baby.

Talk to your doctor or midwife before beginning any massage or exercise regimen. Some complications may restrict or prohibit massage therapy. Massage therapy is not a replacement for prenatal healthcare.

TRY THIS!

Pregnancy Massage at Home

Here are some techniques you can try at home:

For lower back pain relief while you watch TV, sit on a comfortable couch or chair with good support. Have your partner sit in front of you, leaning back against your knees. This relieves the pressure on your sacroiliac joint.

Sleeping on your side takes practice if you're naturally a back or stomach sleeper. Get a small wedge pillow or fold up a towel and place it under your waist and belly. Be sure you have good neck support. Invest in a long, overstuffed body pillow. Hug it on top and put it between your knees. This will help low back and hip pain, and support your shoulder.

If nausea is a problem, find this acupressure point: on the underside of your arm, measure three fingers from the crease of your wrist. Press and hold the point for ten seconds at a time, then repeat. Or try ginger tea.

Rebecca Leary is a Neuromuscular Therapist, specializing in pregnancy and postpartum massage therapy. She lives and works in Virginia-Highland, and is the mother of two girls. Visit her website at Mother-to-MotherMassage.com.