Is It Safe to Get a Pregnancy Massage? 

Did you know that in the United States, pregnant people make up 1% of the population at any given time? Pregnancy can be a magical time for many people, but there’s no denying that it comes with hardships. 

One big downside is the aches and pains that affect your back and feet. If you’re seeking relief from this discomfort, you might wonder if it’s safe to get a pregnancy massage. 

If so, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll be exploring how to get a pregnancy massage that’s safe for both you and your baby. Let’s get started! 

Is a Pregnancy Massage Safe for the Baby? 

For the most part, yes, a pregnancy massage is perfectly safe for both you and the baby. However, it’s still important to consult with your doctor first before getting one from either your partner or a professional. 

As we’ll learn in the next section, there are some situations where a massage during pregnancy can cause problems. Generally speaking, it’s recommended to avoid massages during your first trimester. 

This isn’t because there’s a chance of miscarriage. Rather, there’s a chance you’ll experience morning sickness during the massage.  

Lying on both your back and stomach can cause difficulties and discomfort. So, make sure you’re either lying on your side or sitting in a comfortable upright position. 

When Should You Not Get a Pregnancy Massage 

As we mentioned before, there are a few situations where your doctor might recommend not getting a massage. 

Specifically, if you have rare conditions or symptoms during your pregnancy. Some common reasons to avoid massages include: 

• You’re at risk of preterm labor 
• You have preeclampsia 
• You’re experiencing high blood pressure 
• You have blood clots or a clotting disorder 
• You have problems with your placenta 
• You have gestational diabetes 

So, if you believe that you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, then you should consult with your doctor to make sure. 

Areas to Avoid During a Pregnancy Massage 

During your massage, there are a few areas on your body that shouldn’t be touched as much. The most obvious place is the belly. Applying pressure to this area could potentially hurt both you and the baby. 

You should also try to avoid massaging the legs. While a bit of light pressure is fine, never use deep pressure on this area. When you’re pregnant, the volume of blood in your body increases rapidly. 

This can make you prone to blood clots in your legs. And, if you massage too hard, then you can unintentionally dislodge the clot. Lastly, you might want to consider avoiding reflex pressure points like your wrist, ankle, and between your fingers. 

Some people that specialize in reflexology believe that this can cause premature contractions. However, there is little to no evidence to support this belief. So, it’s ultimately up to you. 

Benefits of a Pregnancy Massage 

Not only are pregnancy massages safe in most cases, but they can also provide benefits for both you and the baby. Let’s take a look at some benefits of a pregnancy massage in more detail. 

Pain Relief 

We’ve touched on how rapid swelling can cause a lot of pain for pregnant women. This can put a lot of pressure on your back, shoulders, legs, and feet. 

However, one study found that massages decreased the amount of back pain in pregnant people significantly. So, if you’re having a particularly hard pain day, then consider scheduling an appointment. 

Less Depression and Anxiety 

Pregnancies can be undeniably stressful. Not only are you experiencing changing hormone levels, but many women also get nervous at the idea of delivery or becoming mothers. 

However, that same prenatal massage study found that massages can decrease the cortisol levels in our bodies. That means less stress-causing conditions like depression and anxiety. 

And this lack of the stress chemical cortisol isn’t just good for you, it’s also good for the baby. When people have less cortisol in their bodies during birth, it can lead to better birthing outcomes. 

Better Sleep 

The discomfort associated with pregnancy can prevent many people from falling asleep, which causes a variety of health problems. But many individuals report that a neonatal massage helps them sleep better at night. 

As we mentioned in the last section, this is likely because massages reduce cortisol levels, which can interfere with a good night’s sleep. 

Go to Specialized Massage Therapist 

It’s alright to get a gentle massage from a friend or partner now and then when you’re pregnant. But, if you’re getting a professional massage, then you want someone with experience massaging pregnant people. 

When you’re pregnant, your body retains fluids differently. As such, you will require a modified massage. Getting something like a deep tissue massage when you’re pregnant can cause problems. 

So, make sure that you always disclose that you’re pregnant to your massage therapist. 

And, if they don’t have experience, then consider looking again for someone that does. In this guide, we lay out how to find the best quality massage therapist in your area. 

Ready For a Pregnancy Massage? Contact Faces Spa 

The most important factor is finding a massage provider that has experience working with pregnant people. 

And, if you live in the Omaha, Nebraska area, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than Faces Spa. We know that pregnancy can be an incredibly stressful experience. 

That’s why we do everything we can to provide some temporary escape. So, if you’re ready for the stress relief you deserve, give us a call at (402) 384-8400 to schedule your message.