Antenatal Massage (Prenatal Massage) during Pregnancy

When a woman becomes pregnant, she experiences change in her body weight and body shape along with hormonal fluctuations and mood swings. These physical and emotional changes cause anxiety and stress for the woman. To ease this discomfort, antenatal or prenatal massage done by a certified masseur is the best option. In this articleWhat Antenatal or Prenatal Massage Is?Who does the Antenatal or Prenatal Massage?What are the Types of Antenatal or Prenatal Massage?What to Expect From an Antenatal or Prenatal Massage?Can it be Tried at Home?Precautions Before or During Antenatal or Prenatal MassageWhen should I avoid an Antenatal or Prenatal Massage?What Antenatal or Prenatal Massage Is?Antenatal or prenatal massage is massage done while one is pregnant. Like other massage, the antenatal massage also relaxes the stress hormone, eases sore pains, improves blood circulation and reduces anxiety which leads to positivity and “feel-good” factor. However, it is better to discuss with your physician before seeking an antenatal therapist, especially if you have any kind of complications in your pregnancy (discussed below in detail).Who does the Antenatal or Prenatal Massage?Antenatal massage is provided by a qualified therapist or specialist in the field of antenatal massage. Your physician can help you by recommending a few therapists he or she knows or maybe friends who have recently taken this massage. You can also find some therapist through an internet search. Before finalising, check for their qualification, specialty certification (and the certification date) and experience in antenatal or prenatal massage.What are the Types of Antenatal or Prenatal Massage?Most therapists follow the Swedish massage technique because of the proper routine followed while providing the massage. There are various other techniques followed by therapists, such as deep-tissue massage (it provides a strong stroke and presses the muscles deep) and Shiatsu (it presses on acupressure points) among other techniques. Please confirm with your doctor if such massage is safe for you before undergoing it as each pregnancy is different.What to Expect From an Antenatal or Prenatal Massage?The ideal position for an antenatal massage is to lay sideways or semi-reclined position. Avoid lying on your back as the weight of your uterus can put pressure on pelvic joints or reduce circulation of blood to placenta. At massage centres, special tables designed for such massage (not used widely though) and some soft pillows for support are provided. However, avoid being in the same position for an extended time period.Can it be Tried at Home?If the massage centre charges are expensive or unaffordable for you, your partner can provide you the needed comfort at home. He may not be an expert but his touch can soothe the pain you are experiencing. But make sure that you speak to your doctor to know if it is safe to do such massage at home and your partner gets some tips from your doctor. You partner needs to avoid hard strokes and massage you very gently.Precautions Before or During Antenatal or Prenatal MassageThe therapist would know the areas not to massage, such as on an area where you have some bone fracture, blood clot, cuts / wound or skin infection. It should also be avoided during the first trimester. It is also recommended to avoid heavy meals or heavy liquid intake before the massage.Check the massage oil so that it does not cause any allergies later. If at any point of time, you find the massage uncomfortable or something unusual, stop them right away. You may consider a change in the massage method. If the problem persists, you may discontinue the massage.During massage, if the particular pressure-points within your wrists and ankles are stimulated, they can induce labour. The therapist needs to be very careful, which is why their qualification and experience is very important.When should I avoid an Antenatal or Prenatal Massage?Obtaining permission from your physician is very important, especially if you are at high risk pregnancy. This may include diabetes, high blood pressure (preeclampsia), excessive vomiting or morning sickness. You also need to consult your physician if you have had a miscarriage, preterm labour or any other complications related to pregnancy.Antenatal or prenatal massage helps in making the pregnancy journey a soothing one. It helps in overcoming the common pregnancy problems and sometimes also helps in shortening labour time. A happy and helpful journey results in a strong and healthy baby.