Think you can’t have a massage while you’re pregnant? Au contraire, mon frere!
We know how hard pregnancy can be on the body and mind, which is why we offer prenatal massages for our expecting mothers. We all know that massage therapy has many benefits, and the pregnancy massage is no different!
Prenatal massage can help to ease discomfort often associated with pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, and edema (or swelling). A prenatal massage is the perfect way to relax and soothe your body during those nine long months, reduce stress, and promote healthy sleep habits.
If you expecting a happy event and would like to enjoy a massage session to relax and relieve your pain, then you can’t miss the prenatal massage! But be careful, the prenatal massage must be done by taking all the necessary precautions and with an expert.
Here is everything you need to know about prenatal massage, from its benefits to how to position yourself during the session.
What exactly is a prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage is a type of therapeutic bodywork that is similar to traditional massage but with specific techniques and additional considerations for the safety of both mother and child. Prenatal massage can be performed at any stage of pregnancy, but many women prefer to wait until after the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage is lower.
Prenatal massage therapists are trained to understand the changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy and how those changes might impact the type and amount of pressure to use during the massage. They will also adjust their techniques accordingly as the pregnancy progresses.
The benefits of massage for pregnant women
Prenatal massage brings many benefits to pregnant women:
- It relieves the lumbar and cervical
- It decreases the feeling of heavy legs
- It alleviates muscle and joint tension
- It promotes relaxation
- It improves sleep
A well-performed pregnancy massage therefore only brings benefits to the mother and will do her the greatest good. It is recommended to practice it regularly between the 4th and the 8th month of pregnancy so that it has real benefits for the future mother.
Prenatal massage contraindications
Prenatal massage is generally considered safe for most pregnant women. However, there are certain circumstances in which prenatal massage may not be recommended, such as if you have a high-risk pregnancy or certain medical conditions. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you book a session.
In addition, avoid massage if you have any of the following conditions:
- Placenta previa
- Eclampsia
- Preeclampsia
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Recent post-partum bleeding or haemorrhage
Here are various points you should also keep in mind before booking your prenatal massage:
- Any massage is avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is a precaution that is best taken to avoid any risk during this period. Likewise, many practitioners will refuse to massage you during your last month of pregnancy so as not to take the risk of triggering contractions.
- Ask in advance which products will be used to massage you. The more neutral and natural the products, the better. Avoid anything that contains chemicals. Essential oils are not recommended either given their very high concentration which could cause reactions. We recommend the use of almond oil, argan oil or avocado oil for example.
- If you have particular problems during your pregnancy, we do not recommend this type of massage. And in any case, remember to consult your doctor before booking a pregnancy massage.
If you have any concerns about whether or not prenatal massage is right for you, please speak with your doctor or midwife.
Pregnant woman massage: how to choose the practitioner
There is no required diploma to be able to practice pregnancy massage, so we advise you to rely on word of mouth and do your research to find an experienced massage professional beforehand. For example, read at the reviews of customers who have already booked with this massage professional – whether for a massage at home or in a salon. Do not hesitate to ask your questions to the practitioner before your session – It’s important that you feel completely confident and comfortable before your massage appointment!
At Wecasa, you can discuss with your massage therapist before they come to your home to tell them your fears, and your specific requests and ask any questions about the technique used.
How to prepare for a prenatal massage
To get the most out of your prenatal massage, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Wear comfortable clothing: You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks, but you can leave them on your underwear if you prefer. If you are completely nude, your therapist will drape you with a sheet.
- Speak up: Be sure to let your therapist know if anything hurts or if you’re uncomfortable. They can adjust their technique accordingly.
- Drink plenty of water before and after your massage: This will help your body eliminate toxins that are released during the massage.
What a prenatal massage looks like
Generally, the prenatal massage lasts 1 hour and is a very gentle massage, suitable for mothers-to-be. There will be no pressure on the stomach, it will only be lightly touched.
The massage is of course not performed while lying on the stomach, but in a lateral position, one side after the other. The practitioner performs circular movements and light pressure on the whole body with delicate movements.
At the end of the massage, you will have the impression of being on a cloud, completely relaxed. Don’t go back to your normal life right away and enjoy this moment of relaxation!
If you want to extend this moment of peace and relaxation, you can choose to have your prenatal massage at home. Wecasa massage therapists will be happy to come to your place and pamper you on the date and time of your choosing.
Now that you have read our guide to massage while pregnant, all you have to do is find the ideal person to massage you. Moment of well-being guaranteed!
Pregnancy massage at home with Wecasa
At Wecasa, we believe that every mother deserves to feel pampered and relaxed, especially during pregnancy. All of our massages are performed by licensed and experienced professionals who know how to work with pregnant women.
In addition to prenatal massage, we offer a variety of different types of massages, so you can choose which is best for you.
Related read: A complete guide to Wecasa massages and which type of massage to choose
Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, but it can also be a time of discomfort and pain. If you’re looking for relief, prenatal massage may be the answer. Just be sure to consult with your doctor first and choose a qualified practitioner. With just a little preparation, you can enjoy a relaxing, rejuvenating massage that will help you through the rest of your pregnancy.
