Prenatal Massage Therapy – Relieving Pregnancy Discomfort Safely and Effectively

Pregnancy can bring about a host of discomforts. Fortunately, the right massage can ease those discomforts safely and effectively. The hormonal changes of pregnancy can create instability in the muscles and joints, especially in the lower back, hips and legs. Hormonal surges can also affect posture and increase the demand for oxygen, leading to swelling in the feet, legs and ankles (edema). The resulting pain and discomfort can be debilitating. Prenatal massage alleviates tension and reduces swelling by improving blood flow to the legs and feet.

Unlike traditional massages that require the client to lie on her stomach, a prenatal session usually involves a side-lying position with pillows for support. This is crucial to ensure a comfortable and accessible position for the client. It also allows the therapist to avoid putting pressure on major blood vessels, slowing down blood flow to the uterus and the placenta. In the early trimesters, until around the fourth or fifth month, this is fine; but as the client progresses through the pregnancy, the therapist may have to move the clients from a prone position, such as on their stomach, due to increased belly size and to prevent putting pressure on the major blood vessels that supply the uterus.

In the second trimester, regular prenatal massage helps to improve sleep patterns, a common complaint in pregnancy. It also helps the uterus to become more elastic, which can help reduce the risk of a perineal tear during labor and delivery. In fact, a 2019 study found that receiving regular prenatal massage significantly decreased the duration and intensity of labor and delivery.

Prenatal massage can also stimulate the production of feel-good hormones, which enhance mood and immunity. And it can decrease the level of stress hormone cortisol, a major contributing factor to depression and fatigue in many pregnant women.

A skilled massage therapist can modify techniques to suit the needs of each trimester. For example, a therapist will avoid deep tissue work during the first trimester to prevent compressing the large blood vessels and causing damage to the liver or kidneys. In the third trimester, a therapist will focus on alleviating aches and pains in the shoulders, arms, neck and legs; and will help to prepare the pelvic area for birth by loosening the tendons and ligaments of the lower abdomen, which is essential to avoid an episiotomy.

In addition, a therapist will check the client for signs of deep vein thrombosis, including swelling in one leg or the presence of heat or redness in the calf and foot. They will also screen for pre-eclampsia, a condition that can cause dangerously high blood pressure in the mother. This is typically diagnosed through a simple screening test that involves checking the client’s pulse and blood pressure in both legs. If these are elevated, a massage should be postponed until the symptoms resolve. For those with a high-risk pregnancy, regular prenatal massage can be particularly beneficial. If you are interested in having a pregnancy massage therapy in Atlanta visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.