THE BENEFITS OF PRENATAL MASSAGE

Prenatal massage is one of the best things you can do for yourself while going through pregnancy. Although pregnancy only lasts for approximately 40 weeks, it can put your body through a lot of strain which sometimes does not return to its "original state" for upwards of a year, or sometimes at all. For many women, pregnancy is uncomfortable, awkward, and painful, especially in the third (and final) trimester. A lot of this is due to weight gain and the accelerated growth of the baby during those last formative months. 

During this time, many women experience sleep deprivation, back pain, cramps and contractions, swelling, and digestive problems like heartburn. One of the most common problems pregnant women experience is sciatica, a condition where the sciatic nerve is compressed and causing sharp, shooting pains down the leg.  This may make it difficult to stand or even lay down comfortably. This condition can subside after labor, but it is also known to keep affecting the mother long after pregnancy. 

So how does prenatal massage help with all that?

Simply put, prenatal massage is similar to other massage where it's purpose is to help with pain, stress and tension. The only difference is how the client lays on the table, since after the first trimester prenatal massage should be done side-lying. 

We already know from past blog posts that massage helps to release endorphins, causing the body to relax and overall decrease stress and tension. Prenatal massage is no different; it's just more geared towards helping the soon-to-be mom with her stress levels. 

Massage can also help the mom-to-be prep for labor by keeping the muscles relaxed and reduce swelling.

What are the differences between a regular massage & prenatal massage? 

During the first trimester, there aren't that many differences between a regular and prenatal massage. Most women are still comfortable lying on their stomachs, so it's still possible to get massaged in that position, although many choose to do side-lying instead. The therapist would most likely just avoid any pressure-sensitive areas and any pressure points that are thought to induce labor, just to be safe. 

By the second trimester, it's safer to receive massage in a side-lying position while being supported by pillows to ease discomfort. During this time, most women are starting to get back pain or pain in the hips due to weight gain, a shift in the gravitational center and the loosening of ligaments to prepare the body for labor. Most of the focus would most likely be on the hips and low back, with shoulders, legs and feet being the most requested massage areas after that. The therapist would also still be avoiding pressure points thought to induce labor. 

To read our Frequently Asked Questions about prenatal massage, click here

In the third trimester, massages will be received exclusively in a side-lying position while being supported by pillows. While there are special tables with an opening in the middle, designed for pregnant women so they can still lay on their stomachs, they are not recommended since they can put extra strain on the back (you can read more about positioning safety here). During this time is when women report having the most pain and discomfort, so the massage will typically be focused on those areas. When week 40 comes around the therapist can even utilize pressure points that are thought to be associated with labor to help speed things along and allow for an easy delivery. While those pressure points may not work for everyone, massage alone will help ease stress and help with pain and discomfort due to pregnancy, allowing the mom to relax and put her in a better mindset. 

Most pregnant women like to be seen weekly towards the end of their pregnancy since pain and discomfort will have increased. Assisted stretching is also recommended to help with these issues as it can help get the blood flowing and loosen up tight muscles, especially since it's often more difficult to stretch during the later weeks of pregnancy!

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Overall, the benefits of prenatal massage are numerous and we strongly recommend coming in, both during your pregnancy and after. Prenatal massage is a great way to help ease discomfort while also getting some support from your massage therapist. We recommend coming in about once a month in the first two trimesters, then slowly increase your massage frequency to as many as once a week up until labor to improve your experience during those last few weeks of pregnancy.  

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Comment below or email us at: massagelamesa@gmail.com!

Contact us at: 619-917-4675 OR  massagelamesa@gmail.com 

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