Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can also be exhausting and stressful. As an expectant mother, you may experience discomforts such as back pain, swollen feet, and fatigue.
One way to alleviate these symptoms is through prenatal massage. However, before booking your massage in Hobart or anywhere else, there are some dos and don’ts that you need to keep in mind.
Dos
1. Find a Certified Prenatal Therapist
When choosing a massage therapist, make sure they are certified in prenatal massage. It requires special training and knowledge of the pregnant body. A certified therapist will know how to properly position you on the table and use techniques that are safe for both you and your baby.
2. Communicate with Your Therapist
During your massage session, communicate with your therapist about any discomforts or concerns you may have. They can adjust their techniques accordingly to ensure your comfort and safety.
3. Use Pillows or Cushions for Support
As your pregnancy progresses, lying on your back can be uncomfortable due to the weight of the baby pressing on major blood vessels. Using pillows or cushions can help support your body while lying on your side during the massage.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water before and after your massage is important to help flush out toxins from your body and prevent dehydration.
Don’ts
1. Avoid It During the First Trimester
The first trimester of pregnancy is a crucial time for the development of the fetus. It’s during this period that the baby’s major organs and systems are forming, and any disruption or trauma can have serious consequences.
Because of this, it’s generally recommended that pregnant women avoid massages during their first trimester. While there is no concrete evidence linking massage to miscarriage, many healthcare providers caution against it as a precautionary measure.
2. Don’t Go On a Deep Tissue Massage Session
During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the growing fetus. Your ligaments and joints become more relaxed, and your blood volume increases. This can make you more susceptible to injury, especially when it comes to deep tissue massage.
Deep tissue massage can cause discomfort or even injury during pregnancy due to the increased risk of strain on the ligaments and joints. Additionally, some techniques may involve twisting or stretching movements that could potentially harm the developing fetus.
3. Avoid Certain Areas
Avoid having pressure applied directly on certain areas such as the abdomen, lower back (especially around the sacrum), inner thighs, ankles, and feet as this could trigger contractions or cause discomfort.
4. Skip Hot Stone Massages
Hot stone massages are not recommended during pregnancy as they can raise body temperature which could harm the developing fetus.
In conclusion, prenatal massage can be a great way to relieve stress and alleviate physical discomfort during pregnancy if done safely under proper care by a qualified specialist who knows what they’re doing when it comes to massaging pregnant women’s bodies!
So remember these dos and don’ts when booking your next appointment for a relaxing pregnancy-friendly spa day or therapeutic session at a local establishment – happy pampering!
