Massage during pregnancy is usually safe when administered by a
trained therapist. Your therapist will have you fill out a health
information form to make sure that she is aware of any health concerns. There are some precautions that therapists take with pregnant women, for
instance there are pressure points which can cause contractions that
your therapist will avoid if you are pregnant. Also, we avoid deep
abdominal pressure during pregnancy. If you have any doubts about
receiving a massage simply check with your doctor or midwife at your
next prenatal appointment.
Generally, you should not receive massage if you currently have:
Ask you doctor or midwife before receiving a massage if you have:
Okay, so if massage is safe for you and you schedule your appointment what happens in the session? What do you do about your big belly?
Some massage therapists have wonderful special body cushions or tables that allow you to rest face down without putting pressure on your abdomen. If your therapist does not have this type of cushion she will have you lie on your side, draped under sheets and blankets for the massage. You will supported with pillows to ensure your comfort. Generally the therapist will perform a full body massage treatment for an hour long appointment unless you request otherwise. The therapist will focus on helping you relax and bringing relief from any discomfort or pain you may have been experiencing prior to your massage.
Finding a therapist that's right for you can take some time. Here are some questions you can ask when you are looking for a massage therapist:
Then go and enjoy your massage and all the benefits of relaxation and pain relief that it brings you.
Generally, you should not receive massage if you currently have:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Heavy discharge or bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Threatened Miscarriage
Ask you doctor or midwife before receiving a massage if you have:
- Preeclampsia
- Incompetent Cervix
- Preterm Labor
- High Risk Pregnancy
Okay, so if massage is safe for you and you schedule your appointment what happens in the session? What do you do about your big belly?
Some massage therapists have wonderful special body cushions or tables that allow you to rest face down without putting pressure on your abdomen. If your therapist does not have this type of cushion she will have you lie on your side, draped under sheets and blankets for the massage. You will supported with pillows to ensure your comfort. Generally the therapist will perform a full body massage treatment for an hour long appointment unless you request otherwise. The therapist will focus on helping you relax and bringing relief from any discomfort or pain you may have been experiencing prior to your massage.
Finding a therapist that's right for you can take some time. Here are some questions you can ask when you are looking for a massage therapist:
- Are you Nationally Certified?
- Are you a member of a professional organization?
- Where did you go to school? How many hours was your program?
- Do you give pregnancy massages?
- Did you receive training in pregnancy massage?
- Do you require a doctor's permission before performing pregnancy massage?
Then go and enjoy your massage and all the benefits of relaxation and pain relief that it brings you.
Heather Maynard has been working as a massage therapist since 2001. She is Illinois state licensed and Nationally Certified. To learn more about her business or schedule an appointment visit http://womensmassage.webs.com
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