It’s common to see pregnant women smiling and laughing for all nine months. Besides, the physical toll of carrying another person may cause a range of discomforts that a skilled massage therapist can help.

Many facts and researches support massage therapy during the postpartum, labor, and prenatal phase. Besides exerting positive impacts on mood and pain relief, massage therapy also ensures quality sleep. 

, a woman should get a complete guide about prenatal massage therapy benefits, precautions, and contraindications before undergoing any session.

• Prenatal massage may help alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is common during pregnancy.
• Research has shown that prenatal massage can boost endorphin levels, enhancing overall well-being.
• Prenatal massage can enhance circulation, which may help prevent varicose veins during pregnancy.
• Light massage of the abdomen can reduce feelings of discomfort and promote relaxation in the third trimester.
• Prenatal massage is linked to better bonding between the mother and the baby, thanks to reduced stress levels.
• Massage therapy can help prepare the body for childbirth by encouraging muscle flexibility, particularly in the hips and pelvis.

Perhaps you are curious about the differences between a regular and prenatal massage. You may expect a wide range of massage styles from your providers. Their methods are tailored to the needs of a woman’s neck, back, and pelvis. 

Pregnancy often has the most harmful impact in these areas. If you’re self-conscious about exposing skin during massage, don’t annoy. Your therapist can adapt to your preferences and adopt relevant massage therapy techniques. 

How you lay on the massage table is also quite different when pregnant. Since you cannot rest on your stomach, you will probably be positioned on your side with cushions for support. 

Even while massage tables accommodate a pregnant woman’s belly, most therapists will have you on your side. 

So, massage therapy can be taken relative to your choice and preferences.  

It might take some time to track out a person specializing in pregnancy massage. Try not to assume that any massage therapist will fit you in. Some doctors may lack the expertise, while others may be unwilling to treat you because of their prejudices. 

Find out whether your preferred masseur has worked with pregnant customers before. If he still needs to, he will probably be able to give you the right direction.

A prenatal massage aims to improve the physical and mental health of the expecting woman and her unborn child. The growth of a smart and healthy baby is aided by a calm and content mother as well. In addition, the massage helps to build up and activate the muscles for an organic method of giving birth. 

Some women worry that labor may take too long. Many, however, choose an unmedicated delivery without an epidural. 

Massage treatments are thus used during labor to reduce discomfort and stress from the mother and baby.

This new insight has led to the discovery of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices. One such nontraditional method is prenatal massage. In terms of therapeutic usefulness, it increases the efficiency of a woman’s muscles and joints and stimulates blood flow. It eliminates mental and physical exhaustion.

Many women only think about prenatal massage when they hear the term pregnancy massage. But, it can now be performed prenatal, postnatal, and even during the labor process. 

So, a woman can enjoy the benefits at any conception phase, even after the baby’s birth.

Pregnancy massage has several advantages. When you are under stress, your body produces certain stress hormones. You and your unborn child feel the effects of these stress hormones. Getting a massage may help you relax and relieve tension, both of which are good for the health of your unborn child. 

It relieves muscle pain, aches, and soreness that makes you highly uncomfortable at this stage. It ultimately makes you able to enjoy this phase and turn it into an unforgettable lifetime experience. 

Normally during pregnancy, feet, legs, and hands become swallowed. It’s because, during this phase, there is increased pressure on the major blood vessels and reduced blood circulation. 

So, appropriate massage therapy at this stage helps stimulate the soft tissue and transport fluid. Ultimately, it reduces swelling and leaves you more comfortable.

Massage therapy during pregnancy comes up with reducing back pain. It particularly reduces sciatic nerve pain by addressing the tight muscles of that area. Massage helps stimulate blood flow and relieves the tension naturally occurring during pregnancy.

It’s hard and almost impossible to get quality sleep as the pregnancy progresses. Prenatal massage therapy relaxes the nervous system and helps you sleep without discomfort. This is something all women expect during pregnancy.

Massage therapy during pregnancy is the key to ensuring a smooth labor process. It reduces the stress levels in the body and tones the muscles to prepare for the labor process. Studies have shown that massage therapy has led to shorter hospital stays and smooth labor. It also reduces postnatal depression. 

So, a woman can enjoy the benefits of massage therapy not only during and before the pregnancy but also after conception.

Certain methods can make massage therapy easy, even at home. Some of these include:

This is done using a lotion, and your partner may assist you. It is done by applying gentle pressure on the top surface of the foot first. Then extend it from the toes to the ankle and make small circles around the ankles. For this, try to use both thumbs to rub the sole gently. Similarly, for heels, move one thumb upward and the other downward. 

This should be repeated alternatively. Lastly, just try to avoid the pressure point between the heel and the anklebone.

For this, you are advised to sit or lie on your side. Your partner used to rub your back with both hands with a lotion. Ideally, the muscles on either side of the spine are preferred. The massage is done using the base of the hand or thumb, moving in an upward and downward direction.

This involves applying public pressure with the base of the hands or pads of the fingertips. This is applied on the side of the neck and extends the top of the shoulder to the base of the skull. This is repeated on the opposite side after finishing one.

It is advised to rub the belly with vitamin E oil smoothly. It not only gives a soothing effect to the woman but also reduces the chances of stretch marks on the belly.

This glides from the base of the skull to the hairline. Using both hands for it and spreading the fingers to apply gentle pressure on the scalp is advised. Circling of both hands is also required; this can be extended to the face, giving a smooth feel.

Always try to get a massage from your spouse or a professional. Research shows it’s probably safe to do, so even if you’re pregnant. See your physician first before getting one. However, if you want to enjoy the full benefits of pregnancy massage therapy, do not lie flat on the floor or on your stomach. 

Choose a smooth surface rather than a hard one. And if it becomes too painful, tell your spouse or the masseuse to stop.