{"id":75794,"date":"2021-09-12T03:36:14","date_gmt":"2021-09-12T03:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww1.soothe.com\/?page_id=75794"},"modified":"2024-06-05T16:22:28","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T16:22:28","slug":"prenatal-massage-massage-pregnancy-safe-combo","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ww1.soothe.com\/q-and-a\/prenatal-massage-massage-pregnancy-safe-combo\/","title":{"rendered":"Prenatal Massage: Massage and Pregnancy a Safe Combo?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Prenatal Massage: Massage and Pregnancy a Safe Combo?<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFacebook\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Question:<\/strong><\/p>

I\u2019m 24 weeks pregnant, and work is starting to become difficult. I get lower back pain from sitting at my desk all day. I tried a coworker\u2019s standing desk, but that doesn\u2019t provide much relief because my ankles are swollen and my legs get sore. A friend mentioned trying massage therapy. She said it would also help my anxiety and mood swings. I\u2019ve had a massage before, and I was laying on my stomach. I know I couldn\u2019t do that now! The suggestion got me wondering \u2013 how would a massage work in my condition? Would massage be safe for the baby?<\/p>

Answer:<\/strong><\/p>

Massage is not only safe for your baby, it is highly recommended by as part of your prenatal care, according to an article in the Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology.[i]<\/sup> A prenatal massage not only alleviates your aches and pains, it reduces the swelling, muscle tension, and headaches experienced by many pregnant women.[ii]<\/sup> Regular prenatal massage therapy also regulates your hormones, increasing your dopamine and serotonin levels. Low levels of these hormones can lead to depression, so prenatal massage may actually decrease the chances that you\u2019ll have to deal with postpartum depression after your baby is born.[iii]<\/sup><\/p>

As your baby grows, you may feel pressure on your nerves \u2013 especially your sciatic nerve. This can cause lower back pain, which can be exacerbated if you\u2019re sitting at your desk all day at an office job. Prenatal massage uses gentle, nurturing movements to relax the muscles surrounding your nerves and ease the pressure on them. This may help reduce your back pain.<\/p>

Your heavy uterus also places pressure on major blood vessels, reducing your circulation and leading to the collection of fluid around your joints. Massages can stimulate the soft tissues to help release this fluid. Over time, you might notice less swelling around your ankles, or less stiffness in your joints.<\/p>

Prenatal massage is different from any massage you may have had before. You\u2019ll lay on your side, surrounded by supportive cushions to help keep you stable and balanced. Your massage therapist incorporates gentle Swedish massage techniques to areas where you have the most stiffness or discomfort.<\/p>

You\u2019ll also practice guided, deep breathing exercises for further relaxation. This calm will help you maintain your hormonal balance while also focusing on yourself and your body. Regular prenatal massage may decrease the pain you experience during labor, and also shorten your delivery time. A study revealed that expectant mothers who had regular prenatal massage had on average three hours shorter labor, with less need for pain medication.[iv]<\/sup><\/p>

At 24 weeks, you\u2019re a prime candidate for prenatal massage, although you should bring it up with your obstetrician and make sure there are no potential concerns. While women can begin massage therapy at any point during pregnancy, some massage therapists decline to work with women in the first trimester, when risks are greater.[v]<\/sup><\/p>

To get the greatest benefit of prenatal massage, consider rebooking with the same therapist twice a week for at least five weeks. You could call a massage therapist into your home for a massage after work. With regular prenatal massage you may start getting better sleep as well, which is not only important for the baby, but also for you as a working mom.<\/p>

References:<\/strong><\/p>

[i]<\/sup> Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology: \u201cPregnancy and labor massage\u201d<\/em>https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2870995\/<\/p>

[ii]<\/sup> Id.<\/em><\/p>

[iii]<\/sup> American Pregnancy Association: \u201cMassage and Pregnancy \u2013 Prenatal Massage\u201d <\/em>http:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy-health\/prenatal-massage\/<\/p>

[iv]<\/sup> Id.<\/em><\/p>

[v]<\/sup> Id.

<\/em>You Might Be Interested In These, As Well:

<\/strong>Not every woman is comfortable with male massage therapists. Learn why it is ok to avoid male massage therapists<\/a>.

<\/em>Are you an overworked professional or mom with her hands full? See our recommended massage for women<\/a> who are stressed out.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Ready to book your massage?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBook A Massage<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Prenatal Massage: Massage and Pregnancy a Safe Combo? Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn Share on reddit Reddit Question: I\u2019m 24 weeks pregnant, and work is starting to become difficult. I get lower back pain from sitting at my desk all day. I tried a coworker\u2019s standing desk, but […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":75683,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_elementor_edit_mode":"builder","_elementor_template_type":"wp-page","_elementor_data":"[{\"id\":\"42d52307\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"251f3959\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"44689b36\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"3ded091\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"49a7f3e1\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"title\":\"Prenatal Massage: Massage and Pregnancy a Safe Combo?\",\"header_size\":\"h1\",\"align\":\"center\",\"title_color\":\"#14316C\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_size\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":30,\"sizes\":[]},\"typography_font_weight\":\"600\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"heading\"},{\"id\":\"44648743\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"spacer\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"2f54c0c6\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"22d96f6c\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"7ec5766c\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"text\":\"Divider\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"divider\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"5348d9b2\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"4c475d91\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"41515418\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"share_buttons\":[{\"_id\":\"177a087\"},{\"button\":\"twitter\",\"_id\":\"821e691\"},{\"button\":\"linkedin\",\"_id\":\"280d314\"},{\"_id\":\"8f9e41a\",\"button\":\"reddit\"}],\"alignment\":\"left\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"share-buttons\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"28718466\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[],\"structure\":\"22\"},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"c64a1c2\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":66,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"5d192686\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"editor\":\"

Question:<\\\/strong><\\\/p>

I\\u2019m 24 weeks pregnant, and work is starting to become difficult. I get lower back pain from sitting at my desk all day. I tried a coworker\\u2019s standing desk, but that doesn\\u2019t provide much relief because my ankles are swollen and my legs get sore. A friend mentioned trying massage therapy. She said it would also help my anxiety and mood swings. I\\u2019ve had a massage before, and I was laying on my stomach. I know I couldn\\u2019t do that now! The suggestion got me wondering \\u2013 how would a massage work in my condition? Would massage be safe for the baby?<\\\/p>

Answer:<\\\/strong><\\\/p>

Massage is not only safe for your baby, it is highly recommended by as part of your prenatal care, according to an article in the Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology.[i]<\\\/sup> A prenatal massage not only alleviates your aches and pains, it reduces the swelling, muscle tension, and headaches experienced by many pregnant women.[ii]<\\\/sup> Regular prenatal massage therapy also regulates your hormones, increasing your dopamine and serotonin levels. Low levels of these hormones can lead to depression, so prenatal massage may actually decrease the chances that you\\u2019ll have to deal with postpartum depression after your baby is born.[iii]<\\\/sup><\\\/p>

As your baby grows, you may feel pressure on your nerves \\u2013 especially your sciatic nerve. This can cause lower back pain, which can be exacerbated if you\\u2019re sitting at your desk all day at an office job. Prenatal massage uses gentle, nurturing movements to relax the muscles surrounding your nerves and ease the pressure on them. This may help reduce your back pain.<\\\/p>

Your heavy uterus also places pressure on major blood vessels, reducing your circulation and leading to the collection of fluid around your joints. Massages can stimulate the soft tissues to help release this fluid. Over time, you might notice less swelling around your ankles, or less stiffness in your joints.<\\\/p>

Prenatal massage is different from any massage you may have had before. You\\u2019ll lay on your side, surrounded by supportive cushions to help keep you stable and balanced. Your massage therapist incorporates gentle Swedish massage techniques to areas where you have the most stiffness or discomfort.<\\\/p>

You\\u2019ll also practice guided, deep breathing exercises for further relaxation. This calm will help you maintain your hormonal balance while also focusing on yourself and your body. Regular prenatal massage may decrease the pain you experience during labor, and also shorten your delivery time. A study revealed that expectant mothers who had regular prenatal massage had on average three hours shorter labor, with less need for pain medication.[iv]<\\\/sup><\\\/p>

At 24 weeks, you\\u2019re a prime candidate for prenatal massage, although you should bring it up with your obstetrician and make sure there are no potential concerns. While women can begin massage therapy at any point during pregnancy, some massage therapists decline to work with women in the first trimester, when risks are greater.[v]<\\\/sup><\\\/p>

To get the greatest benefit of prenatal massage, consider rebooking with the same therapist twice a week for at least five weeks. You could call a massage therapist into your home for a massage after work. With regular prenatal massage you may start getting better sleep as well, which is not only important for the baby, but also for you as a working mom.<\\\/p>

References:<\\\/strong><\\\/p>

[i]<\\\/sup> Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology: \\u201cPregnancy and labor massage\\u201d<\\\/em>https:\\\/\\\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\\\/pmc\\\/articles\\\/PMC2870995\\\/<\\\/p>

[ii]<\\\/sup> Id.<\\\/em><\\\/p>

[iii]<\\\/sup> American Pregnancy Association: \\u201cMassage and Pregnancy \\u2013 Prenatal Massage\\u201d <\\\/em>http:\\\/\\\/americanpregnancy.org\\\/pregnancy-health\\\/prenatal-massage\\\/<\\\/p>

[iv]<\\\/sup> Id.<\\\/em><\\\/p>

[v]<\\\/sup> Id.

<\\\/em>You Might Be Interested In These, As Well:

<\\\/strong>Not every woman is comfortable with male massage therapists. Learn why it is ok to avoid male massage therapists<\\\/a>.

<\\\/em>Are you an overworked professional or mom with her hands full? See our recommended massage for women<\\\/a> who are stressed out.<\\\/p>\",\"text_color\":\"#020202\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_weight\":\"400\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"text-editor\"}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"3c3f28b0\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":33,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"7383a013\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"editor\":\"

Ready to book your massage?<\\\/p>\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_size\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":17,\"sizes\":[]},\"typography_font_weight\":\"400\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"text-editor\"},{\"id\":\"13849a9e\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"text\":\"Book A Massage\",\"align\":\"center\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_size\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":18,\"sizes\":[]},\"typography_font_weight\":\"600\",\"typography_line_height\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":22,\"sizes\":[]},\"background_color\":\"#F58266\",\"border_radius\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"top\":\"50\",\"right\":\"50\",\"bottom\":\"50\",\"left\":\"50\",\"isLinked\":true},\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\",\"link\":{\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ww1.soothe.com\\\/booking\",\"is_external\":\"\",\"nofollow\":\"\",\"custom_attributes\":\"\"}},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"button\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false}]","_elementor_page_settings":{"eael_ext_toc_title":"Table of Contents"},"_elementor_conditions":[]},"class_list":["post-75794","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww1.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75794","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww1.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww1.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww1.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww1.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=75794"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ww1.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75794\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww1.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww1.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=75794"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}