During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many dramatic changes. Some of these changes can result in emotional and physical stress, or even pain. Massage during pregnancy helps relieve many of these complaints through the positive effects of healthy touch.

The overall goals for pregnancy massage are to help minimize stress, promote relaxation, and prepare the muscles for childbirth. In addition, there are specific techniques which are designed to help relieve particular conditions, including:

• Low back pain
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Headaches
• Muscles cramps or spasms
• Insomnia
• Sciatic pain

One major physiological effect of massage is an increase of blood circulation to the muscles. This results in more oxygen and nutrients being available to the soft tissues. In addition, improved circulation will remove more effectively metabolic waste that has built up in the muscles. Relaxation during massage combined with improved circulation can result in lower blood pressure and lower levels of stress-related hormones in the body. This is of significant benefit to both the mother and the developing fetus. Finally, by relaxing the soft tissues of muscles and connective tissue, massage improves flexibility.

Precautions

In the majority of pregnancies, massage is safe and recommended after the first trimester. A Massage Therapist trained certified in pre- and perinatal massage knows how to conduct a session that addresses the concerns of the pregnant client as well as avoiding areas that should be avoided for medical reasons. However, in some cases, there are reasons that a client should not receive massage, or that the Massage Therapist will need to take additional precautions. Please talk to your doctor or primary health giver regarding your own situation and whether massage is okay. Some of circumstances in which most professionals agree that no massage should be provided include:

• Heavy vaginal discharge (watery or bloody)
• Contagious illness
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Any malignant condition
• Any unusual pain that is not relieved by position change

Postpartum Massage

Don't overlook the necessity of massage following the birth of your baby. The changes a mother goes through continue through this time as her body struggles to return to its original shape and function. On top of this, picking up or carrying a new child, nursing or breastfeeding, and a myriad of other new physical strains associated with the baby can create additional discomfort or even pain. "The Baby Blues" are a real and powerful phenomena. A new mother has lots of hormones, new conflicting emotions, exhaustion, and other intangible effects taking their toll. Massage can help to restore physical and emotional balance, allowing her to relax and be cared for.

What To Expect

A prenatal or perinatal massage combines techniques from Swedish, deep tissue, and other modalities. The sessions can be 60 minutes or 90 minutes. As with any massage, you may undress to whatever degree you are comfortable. You will be draped with a sheet at all times. Because lying face down is not usually possible and lying flat on her back can decrease circulation to the legs, the massage is performed in sidelying or semi-reclined position. Be sure to use the restroom before getting on the table! And if you need to get up again during the session, that's fine, too.

Massage During Labor

Some hospitals restrict the number of people who can be in the delivery room; some restrict who can be in the delivery room. If you would like to receive massage during your labor, discuss your options with your doctor. As an alternative, we can schedule a private lesson to teach your birthing partner some massage techniques that you find relaxing or that might help during labor.