A lot of women ask me if it is safe to get a massage during the first trimester of pregnancy.
According to “Massage Today,” women avoid receiving bodywork during the first trimester out of fear of miscarriage. It is true that some massage therapists and spas do not offer massage in the first trimester. But this is a liability issue, and does not mean that it is dangerous.
You do have to make sure that your therapist is certified and that she/he understands the contraindications and are diligent with certain areas of your body. But with proper awareness, massage really improves the experience of pregnancy. With all the changes it undergoes, the body really craves calmness and integration. Bodywork is the most organic approach to give the pregnant body what it needs.
Some of the benefits of massage during pregnancy:
• Reduces stress associated with physical, emotional and hormonal changes
• Helps to reduce morning sickness
• Reduces stress and pain in the region of the pelvis and lower back
• Moves fluids throughout the body reducing swelling
• Enhances the pliability of the skin and reduces the chance of stretch marks
• Prepares the body for healthy labor
• Helps the fetus to move and get in position when the time comes
• Increases circulation for the fetus.
• Reliefs aches at the joints
• Produces endorphins that keep you in a serene mood
• Feels amazing and creates the mother-child, body-mind connection
What to expect if you are coming to Atelier Emmanuel to get a prenatal massage?
While it will look very much like a regular massage, the quality of the touch will be different. It will be light, nurturing and precise: no deep tissue strokes or pressure points. Careful attention will be paid around specific landmarks of the body, which are contraindicated during different stages of pregnancy.
Essential oils might be omitted, especially in the first trimester.
If you are in your second and third trimester when your belly getting bigger, we will use a side-lying position. You will lay on your sides propped up with pillows to support your body. The goal is to maintain spinal alignment and to keep your belly supported, while giving you maximum comfort.
In your last weeks of pregnancy, your body might feel a lot of swelling, especially in the legs and feet. Swedish massage works wonderfully with the lymphatic system to increase circulation and move the body fluids. Please be sure to inform your therapist if you have problems with blood clotting or clotting disorders, as massage is contraindicated in such cases.
Reiki is highly recommended throughout your pregnancy and after birth. Reiki sessions help you to integrate to the state of motherhood. While massage helps your physiology, Reiki helps your hormonal, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Massage should not be avoided out of fear, at any stages of pregnancy. Of course, consult with your physician. Get the facts and know we have the skills to support you during ALL the stages of your pregnancy.
Make sure that you always feel empowered to communicate with your massage therapist. Let her/him know if something feels off. If you do not want abdominal work done, for example, be sure to communicate that during the intake. Every woman is different, and every pregnancy is different for each woman.
Take care of yourself first. Set healthy boundaries as to what feels good while receiving a massage: is your body comfortable? is pressure just right or too much? are the strokes soothing, or are they negatively stimulating you and causing nausea? Ask questions, we always appreciate it when someone shows interest in the process and in their body, especially when you are speaking for two (or three, if its twins).
I look forward to our next meeting. May you find much health, peace, prosperity and joy this holiday season!
No comments:
Post a Comment