Benefits of Pregnancy Massage Therapy

Pregnant women today have the choice of having regular pregnancy massage therapy during all three trimesters as a way to ease their pains and aches when preparing the body for the challenge of childbirth. Pregnancy massage therapy is offered in the same professional therapeutic massage centers that provide reflexology massage therapy, deep tissue massage, sports massage and Swedish massage therapy. Moreover, because of the complicated nature of pregnancy, there are more instructions to adhere to for this massage method.

A San Diego massage and therapy treatments professional advised that prior to enrolling in pregnancy massage a pregnant woman should certainly get clearance from her obstetrician. All contraindications for maternity massage should be cleared. The next phase, which is equally as important, is to be sure that the massage therapist performing the technique has been specifically trained on prenatal massage. It would be a good idea to ask for proof of credentials and licenses.

It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid excessive heat. Maternity massage therapy should, consequently, not include hot stone massage, warm body wraps, steam rooms or electric blankets. Hydrotherapy which involves submersion under water may also be dangerous as the pregnant woman's cervix may also open and this should be avoided.

Leg and feet massage should be conducted only by experienced massage therapists who are also competent in acupuncture. This is critical so they know which parts of the leg and foot to avoid as to not trigger uterine spasms and induce early labor. Generally, these areas are close to the heel, the web of the largest toe, the ankle and the knee.

Once laid on the massage table, a pregnant woman really should not be allowed to lie flat on her back. The weight of the uterus will account for added pressure on various veins, hindering the flow of blood to her heart, which will in turn make her dizzy. In some situations it can cause her to pass out. It is also not advised for her to lay face down on a massage table with a stomach section cut out. According to a San Diego massage expert, gravity can potentially pull the uterus downward putting excessive tension on the ligaments connecting it to the sacrum.

The best position for a pregnant woman during pregnancy massage is lying on her left side, leaning slightly forward at a forty-five degree angle. The same as the normal first aid position. Specially designed cushions and pillows will likely be provided as additional support for the woman. For maternity massage therapy, more so than for the other kinds of massage therapy, it is critical to to verify that you receive the services of a highly qualified and specially skilled massage professional from a reputable therapeutic massage facility.