What is prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage shares many of the goals of regular massage — to relax
tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and
just make you feel good. But it's also tailored specifically to the
needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies, and therapists who
are trained in prenatal massage adjust their techniques accordingly.
How do you lie on the table?
Most women find it uncomfortable to lie facedown right from the start of pregnancy because of their tender, swollen breasts,
And you can't lie facedown once your belly is starting to grow. On the
other hand, it's not a good idea to lie flat on your back either,
particularly once you're past mid-pregnancy, because the weight of your
uterus puts too much pressure on the vein that returns blood from your
legs to your heart.
For this reason, some prenatal massage
therapists use a special table or pad with hollowed out areas to
accommodate your belly, and often your breasts as well, so you can lie
facedown. If only a traditional massage table is available, you can lie
on your side and hug a full-length body pillow for support.
How can prenatal massage help me?
The therapeutic benefits of massage for pregnant women haven't been
studied very much. There's some evidence that massage may help people
who suffer from low back pain and possibly those with chronic
headaches, but the studies weren't done with pregnant women. In any
case, massage may decrease stress and promote relaxation, helping you
cope with discomfort even if it doesn't prevent it.
Carrying a
baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress
on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also
relaxes your ligaments, so that your pelvic joints are less stable, and
changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that the
extra weight you're carrying and you've got yourself an aching lower
back.
A trained prenatal massage therapist knows where a
pregnant woman's sore spots are likely to be and may be able to provide
some relief. But don't forget to communicate with her and tell her
where you need attention.
