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By Dr Sarah Fogarty
What is prenatal massage?
Prenatal massages, often referred to as pregnancy massages, are performed during pregnancy and are comparable to ordinary massages but with a greater focus on the health of the mother and child.
Pregnant women can benefit from prenatal massages in a number of ways – It feels nice, is great for fostering relaxation, calms nerves, helps with pain relief, can help reduce anxiety reduction, and eases sore muscles and a tight back.
Are prenatal massages safe during pregnancy?
Prenatal massages should be customised based on the needs of the mother, and in most cases, are safe to be performed at any time during pregnancy, or after giving birth. Despite commentary to the contrary, women are able to get a massage in the first trimester with an experienced and qualified massage therapist. However, the massage should be tailored to each individual, taking into account the specific pregnancy-related concerns that the woman is presenting with.
it is important that any massage therapist is qualified so that they understand the physiological changes that occur in the body during pregnancy, and they can recognise any potential risk factors or signs and symptoms that may occur.
While the majority of mother’s have no risk factors, you want to know that the therapist has the skills to recognise these if they present.
The benefits of prenatal massage during pregnancy
1. Pain Reduction
Back pain, pelvic girdle pain, referred pain, leg cramps, stiffness, strain, and knots are just a few of the physical discomforts that pregnancy can cause. A massage reduces discomfort and suffering by enhancing circulation, and increasing serotonin and dopamine which have the role of ameliorating pain, enhancing positive mood, and providing feelings of relief or well-being.
2. Better Sleep
A massage may promote sleep and lessen insomnia. You can sleep for longer periods and fall asleep more quickly. This might be because the massage releases serotonin, which then generates melatonin, which promotes sleep.
3. Less Anxiety
A massage is a wonderful way to unwind during the stress of pregnancy. It can calm nerves, reduce stress, and lessen pregnancy-related anxiety via engaging the parasympathetic nervous system allowing it to rest and restore. It’s important to feel good since it’s beneficial for your mental health, which can help boost your ability to handle difficult emotions.
A massage therapy session during pregnancy can involve more than just bodywork. Within the scope of the practitioner’s training, massage consultations have a holistic approach to maternity care and can be a source of support and direction. A professional massage therapist will always ask you about the regions you would like to have treated and, more significantly, the areas you would not. It’s important to confirm that the therapist has received specialised training in prenatal care before you schedule a pregnancy massage to assure appropriate knowledge, abilities, and safety.
If you have concerns about massage during pregnancy then it is best to speak with your pregnancy health care provider or contact the massage therapist before booking a massage.
Dr. Sarah Fogarty is a pregnancy massage therapist. She offers individualised treatments to meet your changing needs, such as pregnancy massage, postnatal massage, remedial massage, and bereavement massage. Call or book online now to schedule a massage with Sarah.
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