Is prenatal massage good for baby?
Is prenatal massage good for baby?
Massage therapy helps provide regular blood flow to the uterus, placenta and fetus, promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and accelerates the removal of waste products, improving both mother’s and baby’s tissue health.
What is involved in a prenatal massage?
A prenatal massage is a full body massage performed by a certified prenatal massage therapist that is similar to a Swedish massage (like what you might experience at a spa) except for a few modifications with body positioning that can ensure the safety and comfort for both mother and baby.
Can you go into labor after a prenatal massage?
An induction massage is a good option for pregnant women who are fearful of acupuncture or who are suffering from stress, anxiety or fatigue. There is no guarantee that an induction massage will induce labor, but because it relaxes you, it can put you back on the labor path and encourage labor.
What makes a prenatal massage different?
A prenatal massage differs from a regular massage in the sense that different techniques are used. These techniques are specific to the many anatomical changes a woman undergoes during pregnancy and will in no way cause harm to the mother or the baby.
How often can I get prenatal massage?
For prenatal massage, it is recommended that your appointments coincide with your doctor visits. This means once a month until 27 weeks, and twice a month until 36 weeks. After that, it is recommended that you transition to weekly appointments until you give birth.
Is prenatal massage safe at 38 weeks?
If you’re getting a massage in late pregnancy, the massage therapist may offer to apply pressure to certain points on your body that are thought to bring on labor. Studies have not shown that this actually induces labor, but to be on the safe side it’s better to wait until you are at least 39 weeks pregnant to try.
How do you lie during a pregnancy massage?
In a traditional massage, you might spend half the time lying face-down on your stomach (which is not possible with a baby belly) and half the time facing up (a position that puts pressure on a major blood vessel that can disrupt blood flow to your baby and leave you feeling nauseous).
How do you give a prenatal massage?
Your massage therapist should massage your legs lightly and always use upward motions, toward the center of the body. Not long into pregnancy, your body will start to change in visible ways. Your baby bump is one of the most obvious changes, along with a pronounced curve in the spine and possible breast swelling.
How do you massage your lower back when pregnant?
- Rub and knead gently on muscles while paying extra attention to the tight ones.
- Do the first step, working up and down until you cover the whole back.
- Form fists with your hands.
- Gradually go up towards the neck.
- End the massage by repeating the first and second step.
