A prenatal massage is perhaps the best thing that can give expectant mothers a chance to lie back, unwind, and truly relax. With gentle massage techniques, it can help ease common pregnancy-related aches and pains, and promote overall physical and emotional well-being in a safe, supportive environment. You can look forward to getting an unparalleled prenatal massage experience and luxury treatments at ila Only Spa. The skilled therapists understand what your changing body needs at this time. With their expertise in prenatal care, they provide you with the comfort, and relaxation you deserve.
Pregnancy is no doubt an exciting time, full of anticipation and a range of emotions as a new life develops. However, it also brings with it several physical changes, some of them discomforting. While some of these discomforts can be temporary, others last throughout pregnancy.
Pregnant women often experience lower back pain, varicose veins, swelling in their hands and feet, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and even heartburn. Massage therapy can alleviate these symptoms and provide the much-needed relaxation during this special time.
Read on to learn more about prenatal massage, why you should get one and when, the benefits it offers during pregnancy, and what to expect during your session.
What Is a Prenatal Massage?
A prenatal massage is a specialized massage therapy specifically designed for pregnant women. The techniques and exercises are customized to support their unique physical and emotional needs during pregnancy.
Prenatal massage is different from regular massage. It is more gentle and offers several benefits. It can help reduce discomfort, promote relaxation, and support overall well-being as the female body changes during each trimester. Therapists trained in prenatal massage adjust their techniques accordingly to suit the needs of pregnant women.
Key features of a prenatal massage include:
- Gentle pressure – The massage techniques are adapted to prevent deep pressure on sensitive areas.
- Special positioning – Therapists use pillows, bolsters, or specially designed tables to ensure your comfort and safety while you lie on your side.
- Focus area – The massage focuses on the lower back, hips, legs, and shoulders, common areas where women feel strain during pregnancy.
- Trained professionals – Only certified prenatal massage therapists perform this treatment to ensure both mother and baby remain safe and healthy.
Prenatal massage can help you manage pregnancy-related discomforts, stay relaxed ensure and overall well-being during this time.
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Why Should You Go for a Prenatal Massage?
Pregnancy can take a toll on your body. You will experience lower back pain, swollen feet, sleepless nights, and increased stress, to name a few.
Carrying a baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts added stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments. This means your pelvic joints are less stable, and it can change your posture too.
Add that to the extra weight you are carrying, and you may end up with an aching lower back. These changes are all part of the journey, but they can be physically and emotionally draining.
A prenatal massage is a therapeutic treatment that supports your body during this time. Trained prenatal massage therapists know where pregnant women’s sore and swollen spots are likely to be and focus on providing relief. They will also know which areas to avoid.
When Is the Best Time to Get a Prenatal Massage?
You can get a prenatal massage at any point in your pregnancy as long as you have your doctor’s approval. However, the best time to begin a prenatal massage is typically after the first trimester, around week 13 of pregnancy.
Some therapists do not offer massage to pregnant women before their second trimester as the risk of miscarriage is highest even though there is no evidence to support this claim. They prefer to wait until the pregnancy is more stable before starting massage treatments.
Second and Third Trimester Massage
Weeks 13 to 40 are ideal for massage as during these stages your body goes through major physical changes, and back pain, leg cramps, swelling, and sleep disturbances are common.
Prenatal massage during this time helps to:
- Relieve muscle tension and joint pain
- Improve circulation
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Enhance sleep quality
Your massage therapist can help you get comfortable at every stage of pregnancy. It may be uncomfortable to lie face down because of your tender, swollen breasts in the beginning and afterwards as your belly starts growing.
You can lie on your side with pillows, wedges, or a full-length body pillow for support. They may even use a special table or pad with a hollowed area and pillows that accommodate your belly and breasts so you can lie face down. If lying face down stresses your lower back, you can try lying on your side or work with your therapist to find a comfortable position.
Lying down flat on your back is not a good idea, as the weight of your uterus can put too much pressure on the vein that returns blood from your legs to your heart.
Top Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is considered a safe, effective way to relax and improve circulation. Research shows that prenatal massage is good for:
- Relieving back, hip, and joint pain – Prenatal massage targets the common areas of tension that are caused by your changing posture and growing belly, particularly the lower back, hips, and legs.
- Reducing swelling – Massage can enhance lymphatic flow and circulation. This reduces fluid retention and swelling, or edema, in your feet, ankles and hands.
- Improving sleep quality – Prenatal massage relaxes the nervous system and relieves discomfort, which helps you fall asleep faster and sleep better.
- Decreasing stress and anxiety – Massage stimulates the release of endorphins. It promotes relaxation and improved mood, much needed in emotionally charged advanced stages of pregnancy.
- Alleviating muscle tension and cramps – Gentle massage can help to loosen tight muscles, reduce leg cramps, and release tension from overworked areas.
- Supports hormonal balance – By reducing cortisol, or the stress hormone, massage can help regulate hormone levels. This increases the feel-good hormones and results in emotional wellness.
- Prepares the body for labor – Massage promotes flexibility, circulation, and muscle relaxation, which in the long run, prepares the body for labor and delivery.
Getting a pregnancy massage is one of the best ways to relax. It empowers you to cope with all the changes that are going on in your life. You can look forward to an amazing and satisfying experience that leaves you thoroughly refreshed and recharged.
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Risks and Precautions Associated With Prenatal Massage
While prenatal massage is generally safe and works wonders for most pregnant women, it is important to understand the risks and precautions associated with it.
Consult your doctor before getting a prenatal massage in case you have one of the following:
- High-risk pregnancy
- Preeclampsia or gestational hypertension
- Severe swelling or blood clots
- Placenta previa
- Recent bleeding or abdominal pain
- Allergy to massage oil
- Skin conditions or injuries that can be aggravated by rubbing, including burns, open wounds, or eczema
A certified and experienced prenatal massage therapist will take these factors into account and make sure you get the best outcome from the therapeutic techniques.
Make your pregnancy a time of calm, connection, and care, not only for your special bundle of joy but for yourself, too. A prenatal massage can be the best way to support and care for your mind and body during this amazing journey. At ila Only Spa, our expert massage therapists tailor the treatment to your specific needs and stage of pregnancy. They work with you, explain what techniques and positions will be safest and most effective for you and provide the relief you need at this time.