What is “prenatal massage”?
Prenatal massage is a wonderful way to prepare future moms for their birth. It is a special therapeutic massage technique designed to relieve pregnant women, making them forget about the daily changes which occur in their bodies during pregnancy.
It works therapeutically as it relaxes the body, increases flexibility, mobility, stimulates the skin and reduces headaches, hypertension and anxiety. It relieves sore muscles, fights insomnia and targets to a relaxed mind. Finally, it increases oxytocin levels resulting in easier birth and gives a general feel of well-being.
What does prenatal massage primarily targets?
Its basic role is the wholesome and complete relaxation of the pregnant woman’s body, but also the balance between her mental and sentimental health, during a period full of emotional changes.
What happens during a prenatal massage?
During a prenatal massage, the therapist presses the whole body gently with rhythmic movements, starting from the toes, to the back, the neck and continues with the arms, resulting to a better blood and lymph circulation, as well as the relaxation of any sore muscles. The therapist works with any woman based on her body type and has first been acknowledged of any contraindications.
How can prenatal massage help during pregnancy?
Swedish massage is the recommended method of prenatal massage during pregnancy, as it deals with problems related to the skeletal and circulatory system.
In more detail, it promotes a better lymph flow, blood circulation, treats muscle aches, improves sleep, reduces stress hormone levels, such as norepinephrine, relieves muscle cramps, arms and legs. If you are anxious, distressed, and psychologically depressed, massage will help because it increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, hormones that cause euphoria. In addition, it reduces cortisol levels and helps to improve overall mood.
How / in which body positions can prenatal massage be applied?
SUPINE: This position lets the therapist massage the arms and hands, the legs and feet, the neck, and slightly caress the abdomen.
ON THE SIDE: There are several massage techniques when on the side, as it is the safest position for pregnant women. Once the massage is completed on one side of the body, she later turns on her other side. The women are safely stabilized by bending the hip and knee on one side, pressing the bed.
PRONE (Under special conditions): Specialized equipment (a special cushion or a special bed with a hole in the middle, to prevent pressure on the abdominal walls) is required to massage during in prone position. However, the use of these beds can cause pressure and strain on the muscles, therefore their use is not recommended.
During what months can prenatal massage be applied?
Following the doctor’s agreement and if there is no medical reason which leads the woman to avoid it, it is safe to say that in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy it can be done once a week, while in the third trimester it can be increased to 2 or 3 times, as it is beneficial during childbirth and works towards its smoothest outcome.
What products do you use?
To help massage the body, we only use natural, inorganic oils, such as almond or olive oil. We keep away from essential oils, because many of them are contraindicated during pregnancy.
In which cases is prenatal massage not recommended?
Prenatal massage is contraindicated in cases such as: heart disorders, chronic hypertension, diabetic mother, severe anemia, lupus erythematosus, bleeding and abdominal pain, in periods of nausea, vomiting and morning sickness, low weight gain, decreased or absent mobility, delayed fetal development, history of multiple births, placental abruption or abortion, and the possibility of preterm labor.
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