Following points should be considered first before going for any types of massage during pregnancy:
- Always consult your physician before proceeding with any kind of massage.
- Don’t apply direct and sustained pressure to the area between the ankle bone and heel. Because this area is connected to the uterus and vagina, it is thought that heavy pressure to this area could result in early labor.
- when looking for a pregnancy or postpartum massage therapist, make sure that the therapist is certified in pregnancy massage. The therapist should have special training and know exactly what is safe for mother and baby. Just being a massage therapist does not mean that he/she is qualified enough to give massage to pregnant and postpartum women. So look for a trained pregnancy massage therapist.
- Positioning of the pregnant woman during a massage is critical to the safety and wellbeing of the mother and the baby. And the same applies to which parts of the body should be massaged and which not.
- Do not perform massage of any kind during the first three months of pregnancy.
- Avoid massaging on the abdomen or lower back. Or do it very gently.
- Do not massage near the varicose veins. This rule is followed by most massage therapists.
- Do not use certain oils during pregnancy. Some oils are harmful during pregnancy, so check with your physician.
- Be very gentle when massaging a pregnant woman. Never use deep pressure and percussive strokes.
- Avoid certain forms of massage therapy, if your doctor recommends one. Some massages may suit some women while some may not. And adhere to those limitations set by your doctor.
- Although it has its benefits, it is important to remember that massage can also lead to miscarriage if done incorrectly. It is important for massage therapists to know how to massage a pregnant woman properly. If prenatal massage is done improperly, the risk of miscarriage is very high.
Related posts:
Myth: Massage in the first trimester increases miscarriage rate. the Australian Midwives Association states that there is no evidence that massage in the first trimester leads to increased risk of miscarriage. I have found no evidence to date to support this myth.
How is a physician qualified to advise on massage (I assume the writer means “essential”) oils? Best to advise to consult a qualified aromatherapist or adise to research at the library or online herself.
If not sure, its better not to advise; redirect to more specialised resource. Try consulting with Professor Field of The Touch Research Institute, University of Florida or your natonal professional massage therapists association.
Gus Johnson
Bch App Sci (Health Information Management) (Syd)
Assos Dip Health Science (Massage Therapy) (Petsm)