What Happens During a Pregnancy Massage?

Unlike in the past when a pregnant woman would bear the struggles of pregnancy alone, most women today are appreciating the intense benefits of getting a pregnancy massage. Though a pregnancy massage is almost similar to an ordinary massage, the techniques and the posture during the massage differ.
A pregnancy massage is tailored to not only benefit the mother but the unborn child as well. Based on how you feel the massage therapist can use firm massages that offer relief or soft massages if you just need to relax.
What Should I Expect During a Pregnancy Massage?

1. The massage therapist will seek to know how far you are in the pregnancy, your state of health, and whether your doctor approves of you having the massage. He will also ask if this is your first pregnancy and if not, whether you have ever had a pregnancy that resulted in a miscarriage or one that was problematic in any way.

If you suffer from morning sickness, especially during the first trimester

1. Once the massage therapist ascertains that everything is okay, he will ask the type of massage you’d want to have. If you want to have a mixture of soft and hard massages, you can direct the massage therapist on the kind of pressure you’d want each time.
2. Before the massage, the massage therapist will ensure that you are in a position you are most comfortable in. this can be lying on your side, or sitting down and leaning on a chair, whichever works for you. You will be free to change the position depending on how you feel during the massage.

Some shy away from massage fearing that they will be totally naked. Again, this will be done your way. The massage therapist will leave the room and ask you to undress up to the level you are most comfortable. You will then cover your body using a towel or a sheet and signal the massage therapist to come in.
Among the massage techniques that the massage therapist can use include:
Swedish Massage  
During a Swedish massage, the massage therapist will use long strokes over your tight muscles to help you to relax. If you feel that the massage therapist is using too much pressure, you have a right to speak up.
Shiatsu Massage
For this technique, the massage therapist will use comfortable pressure that will relax your body and get rid of any stress.
Is Pregnancy Massage Safe?
Though pregnancy massage is relatively safe, it is advisable to consult your doctor before booking your appointment. He is in the best position to know if you are safe to have the massage now or you should wait a little longer to have the massage. It is important that you go to a spa where the massage therapist has been trained and has adequate experience in pregnancy massage.
You should also get in touch with the massage therapist before you confirm your appointment and ask about his training, certification, and experience. If you are comfortable with the response, you can go ahead and confirm your appointment.
If your doctor has advised against getting a massage, or you are nauseous as a result of morning sickness, you should avoid getting a massage until you get better. It is also good to avoid getting a massage if yours is a high risk pregnancy.
Is it Possible to Get a Massage at Any Time of My Pregnancy?
There are women that will not have any problem with having a massage at any time as long as it is done in the right way. However, there are others that experience severe morning sickness in their first trimester and will throw up at the slightest provocation.
The decision to have a massage will depend on you, your doctor, and the massage therapist. If you feel okay with having a massage, your doctor has approved the massage, and the massage therapist is willing to offer the service, go ahead and have the massage. It is important to note that there are massage therapists who are unwilling to offer a massage if you are in the first trimester due to the high-risk of miscarriage.
How Will I Benefit from My Pregnancy Massage?
There are numerous benefits you will get from having a pregnancy massage especially if you get the right massage therapist. Here are some of these benefits:

• Aids in Getting the Right Posture: due to the changes that occur as a result of your pregnancy, your posture could be negatively affected especially in the advanced stages of your pregnancy. Getting a massage will make you more flexible and tone your muscles to make it possible for you to carry the additional weight and ease any aches or pains.
• Balance Your Hormones: You will experience a lot of changes as your pregnancy progress which will alter your hormones. The massage will help in restoring the balance in your body and as a result, you will be able to overcome the anxiety and depression brought about by hormonal imbalance.
• Alleviate Pregnancy Discomforts: As a result of your pregnancy, you may suffer from lower back pain, leg cramp, stiffness, headache, heartburn, acid reflux, neck pain, and constipation, among other issues. Getting a massage will greatly reduce or get rid of most of these pains and discomforts, making your pregnancy journey smoother.

If you are finding it difficult to sleep at night or you feel tired and restless throughout the day, it is time to book your pregnancy massage appointment. The massage will make your pregnancy more enjoyable as you will not suffer from most of the discomforts that other people talk about.
When booking your appointment, do not forget that your actions will determine the safety and the health of your baby. Choose your massage therapist wisely and ensure that he has been handling pregnancy massages for some time. You will love how easy the pregnancy will be when you get regular massages based on your budget and how your body responds to the massage.


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