Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Congratulations you are pregnant! It is a time of great change, both emotionally and physically. Such changes can bring increased tension in the muscular system and major changes in the body. So this is the perfect time to take care of yourself.  Relax.  You are not alone. Massage therapy is a wonderful treatment option, with numerous benefits for pregnant women. This practice has been around for centuries, and it has now spread to include pregnant women as well. Safe and effective, massage therapy is a great way to reduce stress for both the mother and baby, increase health, and experience the beauty of pregnancy through the power of tough therapy.

Giana pregnancy massage therapy is a great way for moms to relax and rejuvenate. In this blog, we will walk you through the essentials of pregnancy massage and the benefits which expecting mothers receive through prenatal massage.

In this blog we have covered:

• Can pregnant women get massages?
• What makes pregnancy massage different?
• When should I get a pregnancy massage?
• Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
• When to avoid pregnancy massage
• What essential oils are safe and not safe for pregnancy massage?
• Giana and Pregnancy massage
• Conclusion

Can pregnant women get massages?

Yes. Prenatal or Pregnancy massages are safe after the first trimester. You just need to communicate with your massage therapist beforehand that you’re pregnant so they will use techniques during your treatment which do not involve any pressure on particularly sensitive areas of the body but offer comfort and relaxation for both the mother and baby.

Also before starting with your treatment it’s important to disclose to your therapist any  new allergies or sicknesses since the pregnancy, any  areas of concern or an injury so they can tailor the best treatment experience for you during the massage session. You should definitely avoid getting a massage in early stages of pregnancy as it may causes some serious problems e.g. dizziness and morning sickness due to hormones levels being affected by stress however, once you reach mid-term stages these discomforts usually subside naturally which is when massage therapy becomes more suitable and soothing on most people’s systems.

What makes pregnancy massage different?

Prenatal massage is different from regular massage in that the techniques are specifically designed to help loosen up tight muscles which are common during pregnancy. During the treatment clients will be lying (supine) on their back or side depending on their needs and area being worked on. They should also avoid lying prone to make sure they are not putting pressure on the baby.

Prenatal massage predominantly uses the Swedish massage technique, which focuses on long, sweeping strokes with only minimal pressure applied to specific areas of tension in the body. This massage therapy will not  be harmful to the mother or baby but a treatment that both will enjoy and benefit from.

When should I get a pregnancy massage?

According to recent studies we just came across, there seems to be some discrepancies over appropriate massage practice during one’s pregnancy. It is best for most women to wait until their second or third trimester to get a prenatal massage.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

• Pain Relief

Prenatal massage is the perfect solution in dealing with pain in your back, hips, and legs. It also provides a drug-free alternative for pain relief during pregnancy. The relaxation that your body will experience can ease many of the common discomforts of pregnancy.

• Reduced Swelling

Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s body changes significantly. Many women start experiencing swelling in their hands, feet, and legs. During pregnancy the increased amount of fetus and extra fluid in your body place added stress on your major blood vessels which can restrict blood flow all over the body, resulting in swollen extremities. While massage isn’t meant for everyone, you may find that massaging helps move some of that excess fluid while also relaxing muscle tension that contributes to swelling, leaving you feeling more comfortable and light after treatment.

• Better Sleep

As your pregnancy continues to progress, getting a good night’s sleep becomes harder and harder. However, prenatal massage helps to lower blood pressure and relax the body and leaves you with both a sense of wellbeing, feeling refreshed. This is exactly what pregnant women need to make sure they are truly rested for the days ahead and are not anxious about the child birth.

• Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Receiving regular massage therapy relieves nervous tension, regulates hormonal processes to create a sense of well-being. It decreases the stress hormone cortisol and increases both serotonin and dopamine, which helps one to manage pain and feel pleasure. The overall sense of well-being that comes from these hormone changes is just what every pregnant woman needs – changes especially in the first trimester when they’re getting used to changing hormonal balances – as well as in the third trimester when they’re dealing with growing pains!

• Other benefits

Studies show that pregnant women who receive regular sessions of prenatal massage (at least once weekly) report greater comfort during childbirth and their newborns tend to be healthier and less susceptible to premature or underweight births. Massage therapy can also help reduce stress levels, which in turn leads to better sleeping patterns for the new mum and aids in the development of a stronger and more fulfilling bond between new mums and their babies!

When to avoid pregnancy massage

As with any new treatment, consulting your doctor or midwife is advised before booking a pregnancy massage treatment. If you think yourself at higher risk of complications during childbirth it is vital to get in touch with your health care provider to discuss whether massage therapy might be safe for you during your pregnancy. Use extra caution if one or more of the following applies to you:

• Increased risk of pre-term labor
• Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
• Blood clots or a clotting disorder
• Problems with your placenta

What essential oils are safe and not safe for pregnancy massage?

In early pregnancy, avoid essential oils that could potentially cause uterine contractions or adversely affect your baby in their early developmental stages.

The following essential oils are generally considered safe in pregnancy, according to International Federation of Professional Aroma therapists. That said, you should ask your doctor before using them, and you might want to avoid them until the second trimester. Also remember that this list isn’t exhaustive.

• Benzoin
• Bergamot
• Black pepper
• Chamomile German
• Chamomile Roman
• Cypress
• Eucalyptus
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Mandarin
• Marjoram Sweet
• Neroli
• Petitgrain
• Rose Otto
• Sandalwood
• Sweet Orange
• Tea Tree
• Ylang Ylang

Essential oils to avoid during Pregnancy

Oils that can cause contractions are a definite no-no—and that includes cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and clary sage. Here are some of the essentials oils you should skip until your baby arrives, and remember to ask your doctor if you’re unsure.

• Aniseed
• Arnica
• Basil
• Birch (sweet)
• Bitter almond
• Boldo leaf
• Broom
• Buchu
• Calamus
• Camphor (brown or yellow)
• Cassia
• Cedarwood/thuja
• Chervil
• Cinnamon
• Clary sage
• Clove (bud, leaf or stem)
• Coriander
• Costus
• Deertongue
• Elecampane
• Fennel
• Horseradish
• Hyssop
• Jaborandi leaf
• Juniper berry
• Melilotus
• Mugwort
• Mustard
• Nutmeg
• Origanum
• Parsley (large doses)
• Pennyroyal
• Pine (dwarf)
• Rosemary
• Rue
• Sassafras
• Savin
• Savory (summer)
• Tansy
• Thyme red (large doses)
• Tonka
• Wintergreen
• Wormwood

Giana and Pregnancy massage

One of the most challenging parts of pregnancy is the pain that comes with it. A pregnancy massage can be very beneficial because it provides relief from these aches and pains during an already difficult time.

Our trained pregnancy massage therapist will ensure you have a memorable experience in-your-home with Giana! They will make sure your massage is relaxing, comfortable, peaceful, loving and stress-relieving. This can help you to remain calm even during these scary nine months! Our prenatal massages are tailored to you as individuals so not only will you receive the relaxation that comes along with being pampered at a spa, but you’ll also hear about pregnancy tools to deal with the aches and pains that come with this exciting and mysterious time!

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a delicate time in a woman’s life, and staying relaxed is important for both your mental and physical health. Receiving a pregnancy massage is one of the best ways to accomplish this! As long as you take proper precautions, there are no risks involved. Seeking the help of an established massage therapist is an ideal option, who knows the precautions needed for pregnancy massage. Giana has helped many ladies during the tough times of the pandemic to receive pregnancy massage. To book the in- home pregnancy massage therapy offered, visit giana.life/pregnancy-massage/.