Massage During Pregnancy is More than Just ‘Nice’

By Christina Elston

Few of us treat ourselves to a massage on a regular basis. But if you’re pregnant, there’s no time like the present to say, “I deserve it.” Need an additional excuse? The American Pregnancy Association says prenatal massage offers a host of health benefits, including:

• Lower levels of stress hormones, such as norepinephrine and cortisol;
• Higher levels of “happy” hormones, such as dopamine and seratonin;
• Reduced swelling;
• Reduced pain in the back and joints;
• Improved circulation;
• Fewer headaches; and
• Better sleep.

Studies have even shown that women who have regular massage during pregnancy have fewer complications during labor and delivery, and fewer complications (such as low birth weight) for their newborns.

Veteran masseuse Heather Moelter, of Los Angeles, offer this advice about massages during pregnancy:

• Get clearance from your doctor or midwife for all prenatal massage. Certain conditions, such as circulatory and blood pressure issues, can make prenatal massage unadvisable.

• Ask if the masseuse is specially trained in prenatal massage. In addition to her 10 years of experience, Moelter has taken a special 125-hour certification course in prenatal, postnatal and labor massage.

• Wear what you’re most comfortable in when having a massage. Some people are a little bashful, and nursing moms are worried about leaking milk. Moelter believes people won’t fully enjoy the massage if they’re not comfortable with what they’re in.

• Make sure the therapist uses side-laying and semi-reclined massage positions, rather than face-down. While massage tables with cutouts for your pregnant belly are available for stomach-lying positions, these can still apply pressure to the abdomen or put additional stress on uterine ligaments.

• Request non-scented oils, especially if you’ve been having trouble with nausea. Even natural scents can sometimes upset a woman’s stomach early in pregnancy.

• Make sure the massage therapist doesn’t use a lot of rocking motions, especially if you’re having trouble with nausea.

• Try to get a massage regularly. Regular massage gives you a structure for taking care of yourself. And the therapist will be able to address specific physical concerns, such as carpel tunnel or sciatica, and see what kind of progress is being made.

• Exercise or take yoga classes between massage appointments. Women who do this are better able to retain their results. Ask your therapist for suggestions about yoga studios, exercise DVDs, and stretches you can do to stretch your benefits.