Pre-Natal Massage
Pregnancy massage is a catch-all term for any hands-on massage during or after pregnancy. Massage while you're pregnant is also called prenatal massage. Massage in the few months after delivery is called postnatal massage.
A pregnancy massage typically lasts an hour. Some practitioners use a pregnancy massage table. That's a table designed to accommodate a woman's pregnant belly. Others use specially designed pillows called bolsters to position a woman comfortably on her side. This helps especially during the later stages of pregnancy. Lying on your side is often the most comfortable position for pregnancy massage.
Possible Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Massage therapy during pregnancy might have multiple positive effects, including:
In another study of pregnancy massage in depressed women, researchers found:
Increased levels of the "feel-good" hormones serotonin and dopamine
Decreased levels of cortisol, an indicator of stress
An overall improvement in mood
Research has shown that for the general population, massage has other potential benefits. For instance, it may relieve pain, or it may boost the immune system to fight off viruses and tumors.
Safe Techniques for Pregnancy Massage
Deep-tissue massage, with firm strokes pressing deep into muscles
Swedish massage, with long strokes to muscles and attention to joint mobility
Shiatsu, with pressure and tapping on acupressure points to stimulate the body's natural energy (called qi)
Relieve pain
Stimulate the release of certain hormones like serotonin
Improve sleep
Promote the physiological response of relaxation
Pregnancy massage experts adapt their techniques to address the changes a woman's body goes through during pregnancy. For instance, blood volume increases dramatically -- as much as 50% -- during pregnancy. Blood flow to the legs often becomes sluggish. And the levels of anticoagulants in the blood -- designed to prevent hemorrhaging during delivery -- naturally rise. These changes in circulation put a pregnant woman at risk of blood clots in the legs, typically in the calves or inner thigh. To be safe, pregnancy massage experts avoid deep massage and strong pressure on the legs. Using strong pressure could dislodge a blood clot. Instead, they use very light, slow strokes on the legs. Types of massage to avoid on the legs include deep-tissue massage, deep acupressure, shiatsu, cross-fiber friction, and percussive tapping. All leg massage strokes should move toward the heart.
Very light pressure on the abdomen is advised, if the belly is massaged at all. Some massage therapists avoid massaging the abdomen.
