can you get a massage during preganancy and what are the benefits?

Yes, prenatal massages are generally safe for most pregnant people, especially when done by a trained prenatal massage therapist. They can help relieve common pregnancy discomforts like back pain, swelling, and stress. That said, there are a few important safety tips and considerations:

Safe Guidelines for Prenatal Massage

• Timing matters: Most professionals recommend waiting until the second trimester (after week 12) to begin massages. The risk of miscarriage is higher in the first trimester, even though massage itself doesn’t cause it.
• Qualified therapist: Always choose a licensed Registered Massage Therapist who is certified in prenatal massage.
• Positioning: After 20 weeks, lying flat on your back can compress major blood vessels, so side-lying or specially designed massage tables with cutouts for your belly and breasts are safer.
• Avoid deep tissue in certain areas: Especially around the legs (risk of blood clots), lower back, and abdomen. Light to moderate pressure is best.
• Communication is key: Always let your therapist know how you’re feeling during the session.

When to Avoid Prenatal Massage... You should consult your doctor or midwife before getting a massage if you have:

• High-risk pregnancy
• History of preterm labor
• Preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Severe swelling, high blood pressure, or sudden headaches
• Blood clotting disorders or a history of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
• Placenta previa or other placental issues

Prenatal massages can be a total game-changer during pregnancy — mentally, physically, and emotionally. Here’s how they can help you out, depending on what you’re going through:

 Physical Relief

• Back, neck, and shoulder pain: Your body’s changing shape (hello, center of gravity shift!) can wreak havoc on your muscles. Massage helps loosen tight areas and ease tension.
• Hip and leg pain: Super common in the third trimester. Gentle massage can relax the muscles around your pelvis and hips.
• Sciatic nerve pain: As your uterus grows, it can press on the sciatic nerve. Massage can relieve pressure and ease that radiating pain down your leg.
• Swelling (edema): Helps improve lymphatic drainage and circulation, especially in your feet, ankles, and hands.
• Headaches: Tension in the neck and shoulders or poor posture can trigger headaches — massage can reduce that tension.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

• Reduces stress and anxiety: Massage can lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels and boost serotonin and dopamine — making you feel more relaxed and balanced.
• Improves sleep: Relaxing your nervous system can help you sleep better and more deeply (which is gold when you're pregnant and sleep is hard to come by).
• Boosts mood: The combo of touch, relaxation, and endorphin release can really help with pregnancy mood swings.

Other Perks

• Improved circulation: Helps bring more oxygen and nutrients to both you and your baby.
• Better posture: Loosening tight muscles and reducing joint pain can help you stand and sit more comfortably.
• Prepares your body for labor: Reducing tension and stress may help you go into labor with a more relaxed body and mindset.

Our massage therapists at the clinic are trained in prenatal massages and are ready to assist you in your pregnancy and health needs!

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