Is Pregnancy Massage Safe? 9 Things to Know.

Tired? Achy? Expecting? Being pregnant brings many changes to your body, including a lot
of physical stress and discomfort. And then there’s also the exhaustion! Pregnancy massage
not only helps you relax but helps ease aches and pains – especially when medication isn’t
an option. But you need to know that it’s safe.

While pregnancy massage has many benefits it is important to be aware of any risks and
what to expect during treatment. Once you’ve weighed up all the necessary information,
you’ll be in good hands, with highly trained massage therapists skilled to help and heal
amazing mums-to-be. Here’s a shortlist of things to consider when it comes to pregnancy
massage.

1. What is pregnancy massage?

Also known as prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is a form of remedial massage tailored
to an expecting mum’s unique needs. A pregnancy massage therapist uses expert
knowledge and applies tailored remedial techniques to the anatomical changes in a
pregnant mum’s transforming body.

2. Is it safe to get a massage while pregnant?

While prenatal massage is considered safe during pregnancy, always tell your massage therapist that you’re pregnant before treatment begins. And if your pregnancy is classified as high risk, it is crucial to get the all-clear from your doctor.

3. Understanding the risks

Even though it’s generally considered safe to get a massage while pregnant, there are some instances when it’s not recommended. Like in your first trimester, when it’s not advisable because you can get dizzy and/or nauseas from lying down and being worked on. Also, if you have a high risk pregnancy or a history of miscarriage, prenatal massage is not recommended throughout your pregnancy. There may be other instances as well that your doctor or midwife will be able to advise you on.

4. First speak to your doctor

Before you make a booking for a pregnancy massage, first speak to your doctor. Once you get the thumbs up from your doctor and you’ve told your massage therapist that you’re pregnant (congratulations!) you can lie back (although probably on your side) and enjoy the many benefits of prenatal massage.

5. Prenatal massage benefits

From improved sleep to better mood, pregnancy massage can also help to reduce stress and ease muscle and joint pains — especially more prevalent during pregnancy because of the extra physical pressure on back, shoulders, neck, feet and abdominal muscles.

Prenatal massage can also help reduce swelling in the arms and legs with specialised draining techniques to help with water retention in the extremities by increasing circulation and moving fluid in the body.

6. Pregnant mum’s customised needs

Before you start your first treatment, your pregnancy massage therapist will get a complete understanding of your lifestyle and health, and tailor your treatment based on your specific needs.

7. Positioning, care and comfort

Pregnancy massage is all about positioning, using pregnancy cushions for extra support, ensuring your comfort at all times. In the second half of your pregnancy, you should not lie on your back, only lie on your side to avoid putting additional pressure on the vein that runs from legs to your heart.

8. Specialised massage treatment

Your skilled prenatal therapist will use gentle to medium strokes, targeting the right areas of concern and pain, and avoiding specific pressure points — adapting techniques as your body changes through your pregnancy. Your specialised therapist will know what technique to apply and where, through the different stages of your pregnancy, and what to avoid with great care and expert knowledge.

9. How long is a session?

In general, your treatment can last between 30 and 90 minutes.

Besides bliss, pregnancy massage has many benefits for an expecting mum’s baby body. It helps reduce muscle and joint pain, improves circulation and sleep, increases energy, elevates mood, and relaxes. In a nutshell, pregnancy massage is the treat in treatment. Contact us to make a booking or to find out more.

Please note that the information shared in this blog is not medical advice. Please speak to your medical professional for any medical diagnosis, advice and/or treatment.

Bondi Junction Massage & Float Centre is a restorative and remedial oasis of calm and wellbeing in the heart of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, treating thousands of clients since 1985. To find out more about pregnancy massage or any of our other treatments make contact today, or book now.