Prenatal Massage

Is it Safe to Get a Massage During Pregnancy?

There is hardly anyone who would not want a soothing, relaxing massage after a hard day’s work. Even if you are not working and sitting around at home, a massage is always good to pep up your mood, circulate the blood in your body and release stress and tension from the muscles. A massage can be particularly good during pregnancy; particularly if you experience the usual symptoms of physical discomfort and emotional frenzy. However the important question to ask here is how safe is a prenatal massage? The safety of a prenatal massage calls for divided opinions; while there are some who believe that it is safe to go for a prenatal massage under an experienced therapist, there are some others who believe that it may not be all that safe for expectant moms.

All expectant moms are advised to consult their doctors before going in for a prenatal massage. There are some doctors who advise against a prenatal massage as the effects of such a massage have still not been properly researched.

The main reason why a prenatal massage is not recommended for certain pregnant women is owing to the high number of miscarriages during the first trimester. Although there is no evidence of a prenatal massage being directly linked to a miscarriage, yet doctors advise pregnant women to be on their guard, particularly during the first trimester. This is a delicate period in pregnancy and expectant moms are usually recommended to stay safe and always consult their doctor before undergoing any kind of therapy.

Prenatal massage is also not recommended for pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness or feel nauseous. On a general rule, doctors strongly advise women with high-risk pregnancies to abstain from any kind of therapy, including prenatal massage. A prenatal massage is particularly not suited for pregnant women with high blood pressure and diabetes.

Therefore it is just a question of individual preference if a pregnant woman wants to go for a relaxing prenatal massage. If your doctor tells you that it is safe to go in for a prenatal massage, it is completely your choice to try it out. There are many women who feel confident of the positive influences of a prenatal massage. Besides being a great health booster, a prenatal massage can also uplift your overall mood and well-being.

As a pregnancy can be a trying time for a woman, a calming and nourishing massage can do you much good. There are several benefits of a prenatal massage - increases circulation, decreases pain and discomfort in joints and muscles, and many others. As you put on extra weight and experience a shift in your hormones during your pregnancy, a prenatal massage could effectively help you boost your overall health and wellness.

According to a recent study, a prenatal massage increases the body’s capacity to produce dopamine and serotonin, also known as “feel good hormones” that help your body to relax and your mind to stay positive. A soothing prenatal massage is also said to cut down on cortisol levels, a stress related hormone.

If you are planning to go for a prenatal massage, make sure that you seriously consider your doctor’s advice. It is also strongly recommended to only go for a prenatal massage under a certified and experienced therapist. Choosing an experienced massage therapist is of prime importance to ensure your safety and benefit from positive results.

A prenatal massage has many positive effects on an expectant mother’s emotional and physical health. However it is always better to be on the safe side, and discuss with your doctor of the possible risks associated with such a massage.

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