Prenatal & Pregnancy Massage

While pregnant, a woman’s body experiences many changes to accommodate for gestation and delivery of a baby. These changes are both physical and hormonal.

There are many studies that indicate that massage therapy received during pregnancy can have beneficial effects for the mother and baby. Massage can help reduce anxiety and decrease symptoms of depression associated with pregnancy. Prenatal Massage can relieve many of the muscle aches and joint pains felt during pregnancy. The main goal of Prenatal Massage is to relax muscular tension, relieve pain and to improve the blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Some of the other benefits of prenatal massage are:

• Lowered anxiety

• Decreased back and leg pain

• Improved sleep

• Decreased levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine

• Increased levels of the “feel-good hormones” serotonin and dopamine

• Decreased levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol

• An overall improvement in mood

• Boosts the immune system to fight off viruses

During a normal, healthy pregnancy, massage can be very beneficial in promoting relaxation, soothing nerves and relieving strained back and leg muscles. There are certain conditions, such as pre-eclampsia, where massage is contraindicated. A complete Client Intake form is filled out at the beginning the first massage and reviewed at the beginning of every massage thereafter. Any concerns that are brought up that reveal a contraindication will require a note from the client’s medical doctor before proceeding with the massage. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine advises all pregnant women to consult with their doctor before beginning a massage program.

Is there any reason that I can’t get a massage while I am pregnant?

Yes…….and No.

During a normal pregnancy there isn’t any reason that you cannot get a massage anytime. However, there are several really important conditions that massage can potentially interfere with during pregnancy. The SAFEST option is to proceed with the massage ONLY when there is a written release from the patient’s doctor. Below are the recommended guidelines that should be followed when determining if a written release is needed or advised. I always err on the side of caution and require a note for all 21 of the following conditions:

High Risk Pregnancies

Do not proceed without written release of physician.

1. Diabetic Mother

2. Cardiac Disorders- heart disease

3. Chronic Hypertension

4. Previous Problem in Pregnancy – previous miscarriage

5. Mothers under 20 or over 35

6. Asthmatic Mother

7. Suspected RH Negative Mother or other genetic problems

8. Drug addictions or exposure to drugs

9. Previous multiple births

Proceed With Caution (Physician’s Release Advised)

1. Incompetent cervix

2. Complications due to DES used during pregnancy

3. Lung or live disorderSevere anemia

4. Convulsive disorders

5. Abnormal Fetal Heartbeat

6. Decrease or absence of fetal movement

7. Interuterine growth retardation

8. Lupus Erythematosus

9. Poor lifestyle habits (drug abuse, poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption)

10. Low weight gain

11. No prenatal care

Warning Signs of High Risk Factors

1. Possible Miscarriage – bloody discharge, continual abdominal pains, sudden gush of water or leakage of amniotic fluid

2. Urinary Tract Infections – very frequent urination with burning, low back pain increase in thirst and decrease in urination, chills and fever with 100 degree temperature or higher

3. Pre-eclampsia – (toxemia of pregnancy – if neglected or not treated properly may develop true eclampsia)  Sudden rapid weight gain, systemic edema, increased blood pressure (hypertension), protein in urine, increased headaches

4. Eclampsia (Toxemia) Emergency situation-refer to physician immediately– Develops in 1 out of 200 patients with pre-eclampsia; persistent severe headaches; persistent severe back pain unrelieved by change of position; severe nausea/vomiting; systemic edema; pitted edema, increased blood pressure; visual disturbances; convulsions.

5. Gestational Diabetes – excessive hunger and thirst; increased urination in 2nd trimester; sugar in urine, no non-pregnant diabetes

6. Other conditions – thrombophlebitis; systemic infections; skin irritations; varicose veins; kidney disease; heart disease; cancer; acute injuries such as burns, bleeding, fractures

Contraindications for Massage

• Abdominal massage totally contraindicated for 1st trimester and limited to effleurage for remainder

• Gymnastics/ ROM – do not do movements when nausea present; or when symphysis pubis separates ( 2nd trimester)

• Pressure point around ankles and Achilles tendon should be avoided; pressure point between thumb and finger should be avoided

• Swedish stokes that affect circulation should not be used in the 3rd trimester if the client has a heart condition

• Tapotement contraindicated on the legs because of the increased danger of blood clots during pregnancy

The information contained on this site herein is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Any information found on this site herein should be discussed with a health care professional. Use of this information should be done in accordance with the health care plan outlined by your health care professional. For specific medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, consult your doctor.