Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy Massage is also called prenatal massage and is a special type of massage. It requires specific training & techniques to massage a mom to be without making her uncomfortable during the massage.

How a Pregnancy Massage Works

A trained massage therapists will have the mom to be lie on her side during the massage or use a specialized massage table which supports the pregnant mommy while lying face down.

I prefer the side massage technique and most of my clients do as well. The side massage position is very comfortable and allows the massage therapist to do all of the techniques she would with a traditional face-up/face-down massage.

Is Pregnancy Massage Beneficial?

I think most people assume that getting a massage during pregnancy is beneficial… and they are right!

Studies indicate that prenatal massage can reduce anxiety, relieve aches and pains associated with pregnancy, decrease symptoms of depression, and improve labor outcomes and even newborn health.

The main purpose of massage is to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation using mild pressure on the muscles. This process soothes many of the discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

Hormone Regulation
Studies from the past 10 years have shown that,  when massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care, hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight.

Swelling
The swelling of the joints during pregnancy, known as edema, caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus, can be help by massage.  Pregnancy massage stimulates soft tissues and reduces fluid collection in the swollen joints.

Nerves
Many women in late pregnancy encounter sciatic nerve pain because the pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy helps release the tension on nearby muscles and many women have experienced a reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular prenatal massages.

Choosing a Pregnancy (Prenatal) Massage Therapist

I feel it is important to choose a certified prenatal massage therapist because, in most cases, they have received training beyond national standards for massage therapists and know the specific needs of a pregnant woman and are aware of the sensitive areas of the body.

A certified prenatal massage therapists will know to avoid pressure points on the ankles and wrists that can gently stimulate pelvic muscles, including the uterus. To be safe, any woman who has experienced pre-term contractions or consistent Braxton-Hicks contractions should alert her therapist to that fact so that pressure points can be avoided completely.

Speak to a health care provider prior to receiving a massage if you have any of the following complications:

• High risk pregnancy
• Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
• Preeclampsia
• Previous pre-term labor
• Experiencing severe swelling, high blood pressure, or sudden, severe headaches
• Recent birth

Regular prenatal massages can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, why not incorporate massage therapy into your prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement proven to improve pregnancy outcome, and maternal health.

I would love to share the benefits of prenatal massage with you.  I am an experienced, certified prenatal massage therapist located just north of Downtown Indianapolis.  Parking is free, the neighborhood is wonderful and I am here for you!

If you have any questions please feel to call me.

Kim Deeter