Maternity Massage / Pregnancy Massage – We took your questions, and we have answered them here…
We all know massage in general has many benefits, whether it’s for recovery from Sports, general Deep Tissue or for you to just relax with your Swedish massage. But let’s not forget about maternity massage. Some people may be unsure whether they can even have a massage during their pregnancy. We do get asked these most common questions when it comes to having a massage while pregnant, and we are going to address these here.
“Is it safe for me and my baby?”
“Can I have a massage in the first trimester?”
“What oils are safe during the maternity massage?”
“Can I have my baby bump massaged?”
Now before we answer these questions, it is always important to know that it is always recommended to speak with your Doctor or Midwife before having massage at any stage of your pregnancy, especially within the first trimester. Not because maternity massage is unsafe but because every pregnancy is different and your health care professionals may want to avoid certain situations in the first 12 weeks.
Now, let’s answer these questions in some detail.
Is it safe to have a massage while I’m pregnant?
The answer is yes. It is safe to have massage therapy while you are pregnant. It has been shown to provide many benefits such as decreasing stress, relax muscles, improve blood flow, improve sleep and lower anxiety to name a few. If you are a regular massage goer your maternity massage maybe different to what you are used to, the massage generally will be lighter in pressure, with little or no trigger point therapy. Your therapist should always check the pressure during your massage.
Will a maternity massage affect my baby?
A maternity massage is designed to be safe and beneficial for both the mother and the baby when performed by a trained and certified prenatal massage therapist. This type of massage focuses on addressing the specific needs and changes that occur during pregnancy, such as reducing stress, alleviating muscle aches, and improving circulation. By enhancing the mother’s overall well-being and comfort, a maternity massage indirectly benefits the baby, as a relaxed and healthy mother can contribute to a healthier pregnancy environment. However, it’s essential to communicate any concerns with your healthcare provider and ensure the massage therapist is aware of your pregnancy to tailor the session appropriately and avoid any techniques or positions that might not be suitable during this period.
Can you have a pre-natal maternity massage in the first trimester?
Yes, you can have a massage in the first trimester, but it is essential to proceed with caution and consult with your healthcare provider first. The first trimester is a critical period of development for the baby, and while many massage therapists are trained to handle prenatal massages, some prefer to avoid them during this early stage due to the increased risk of miscarriage. If you do choose to have a massage, ensure it is performed by a therapist who is certified in prenatal massage and is knowledgeable about the necessary precautions. Techniques should be gentle, and certain areas, such as the abdomen, should be avoided to ensure both your safety and that of your developing baby. Although, it is not recommended to have a massage if you have any complications during your pregnancy like Pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, Pitted Oedema and Placenta Previa.
What oils are safe during the maternity massage?
Grapeseed oil – This is probably one of the best oils to use for maternity massage as it has no odour, which is perfect if you struggle with specific scents during pregnancy and it feels amazing on the skin.
Lavender oil – Which helps with destress, sleep, reduces anxiety, calming and relieving pain.
Ginger oil – This is warm and a hint of spice. This is a natural anti-inflammatory which helps with pain and aches in the body
Chamomile oil – This like lavender also promotes relaxation, calm and a good night’s sleep.
Can I have my baby bump massaged?
This may surprise you but the answer is yes. We are not talking about a deep tissue massage. We are talking about a relaxing light pressure massage. It has many benefits, like reducing stress and anxiety. It can improve blood flow. If there is good blood flow, this will help with the digestive and lymphatic system.
All in all, a Maternity Massage is definitely safe. If you are looking to have a Maternity Massage, always check with your doctor before your appointment, if you may have any questions or concerns during your
pregnancy. Also please make sure that your massage therapist is fully certified in Maternity Massage for the safety of you and your bundle of joy.
If you are interested in our maternity massage service then please get in touch, we cover most areas across the UK and our team are the highest qualified pre and post natal massage specialists in the UK. You can click here to make a booking or contact us directly if you would like more information.