A Gentle Approach

What is prenatal massage? Massage during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork, which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbearing year. Massage therapy can help women approach these changes with less anxiety and physical discomfort. Massage enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, while relieving mental and physical fatigue. Techniques applied during this type of massage are modified to be less invasive and more nurturing.

Pregnancy massage can be done in different ways. Massage therapy is most beneficial when the recipient is comfortable and relaxed. Positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well being of both the mother and the baby she is carrying. Therefore AWC therapists will best determine the positioning that meets the clients’ needs. After the first 22 weeks of pregnancy, lying on your back can cause pressure on deep blood vessels, due to the growing baby, thereby reducing circulation to your baby. To avoid this, pillows will be used to ensure that you are lying down safely in the sideline position or semi-reclining position.  These positions are the safest after the first trimester and offer the greatest comfort as massage increases blood flow to the heart and to the baby.

Is prenatal massage for you? Massage during pregnancy is usually recommended to most mothers. Your massage therapist will want to know if you are having any problems or complications with your pregnancy before you begin. If you are, then your therapist will require approval from your primary health care provider before proceeding with any bodywork.

High Risk Pregnancy/ Bed Rest - In addition to feeling tired and isolated, you may experience muscle and joint pain, backache and swelling. Massage therapy is especially beneficial for the high-risk mother, since it promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces anxiety, supports the physiology of pregnancy, lowers high blood pressure, and can relieve the discomfort and muscle strain that develop when a mother is lying in bed for extended periods of time.

How deep and how often? It is important to a have pleasant experience during your pregnancy massage. The most effective guide for determining proper pressure is open communication between the mom and her massage therapist. Massage can be performed anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour, depending on how much time you have and how much discomfort you are experiencing. Regardless of the trimester it is great to receive massage as often as possible! It is encouraged to get massage at least once a month during the 1str trimester, once every other week during the second trimester, and once a week or more during the third trimester is wonderful. Most clients look forward to their weekly appointments to ease recurring problems, such as sciatica, leg cramps, and muscular and structural discomfort.