Is massage therapy safe during pregnancy?

When expecting a child, ensuring the safety of both the mother and the unborn baby is very important. Physical safety is usually the main concern, but emotional safety matters too. This is especially true for massage during pregnancy, as many women wonder if it is safe for both themselves and their baby.

In this article, we’ll discuss the safety of massage therapy during pregnancy and answer some frequently asked questions.

1) Can I have a massage during my pregnancy?

Most of the time, the answer is yes. There are some exceptions, but overall, massage can be received at any stage of pregnancy, even past your due date.

It is important to go to a qualified and experienced pregnancy massage therapist. They understand the physiological changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. They can also recognise potential risk factors or warning signs.

While most mothers have no risk factors, you want to know your therapist can recognise these if they appear.

But what about massage during my first trimester?

You may have heard that you shouldn’t get a massage in the first trimester. A recent paper has shown that most common fears about massage in the first trimester are not physiologically possible.

The paper also highlighted that the body has protective mechanisms. These protect the unborn baby and manage concerns about massage and exercise in early pregnancy.

2) Should I avoid getting certain areas of the body massaged during pregnancy?

In short, no. You don’t need to avoid getting certain areas massaged during pregnancy.

Any pregnancy massage should be tailored to your needs that day. This includes getting consent for treatment and for the areas being massaged. If you don’t feel comfortable with any area, discuss it with your therapist.

3) What about emotional safety?

Most of us receive specialised services for other pregnancy-related healthcare needs, and pregnancy massage is no different. A qualified pregnancy massage therapist should take time to find out your needs.

They should know the right questions to ask, consider your unique journey, and understand how to care for your changing body and baby. They should take all of these things into account when working with you.

Emotional safety includes building a good therapeutic relationship. It also involves good communication skills, listening, and providing a safe space to share your journey, hopes, and concerns without judgement.

A therapist with a client-centred approach will provide all of the above. They will determine the best treatment for you.

Massage during pregnancy can provide time out, reduce pain and tension, and help manage the stress of having a baby.

In summary, take time to find a pregnancy massage therapist who is experienced and has a treatment approach that matches your values.

Dr Sarah Fogarty specialises in massage therapy before, and after pregnancy.  You can make an appointment with Sarah HERE

Learn more about the benefits of massage during pregnancy HERE.