Prenatal Massage In Third Trimester: What You Need To Know
The first thing to note, is to make sure you go to a therapist and clinic that understands what is happening to your body at this time. Someone with experience and training in prenatal massage will know areas that need to be avoided, positioning etc. Even if you go to an experienced therapist, you should know the following:
- Avoid deep tissue on the legs
- Drink a lot of water before and after the massage to help flush toxins
- Make sure the therapist has pregnancy pillows that support your body without putting pressure on the belly
- Do not lay flat on your back, make sure you are elevated
Make sure to consult with your doctor if you have a high risk pregnancy, pregnancy of twins or more, or if you have a history of complications during pregnancy. If youve had a healthy pregnancy, there is no reason for you not to enjoy a prenatal massage. But if you have any issues or concerns, make sure you consult with your doctor or midwife.
Take some time to pamper yourself. Your body is putting in hard work 24/7 right now. And once that baby enters the world, taking me time can get more complicated.
What’s Expected Of You
Negotiating complexity. Osborne believes that one of the greatest things about maternity massage is its complexity, but that also means there are many expectations of a massage therapist on many different levels. It asks a tremendous amount on a physical, emotional and intellectual level, Osborne explains. Everyone of us has an emotional reaction to working with pregnant women, so theres a lot of emotional attention you need to pay to yourself, as well as what the woman is experiencing on an emotional level.That means you have to be clear about being able to stay present with someone, truly be in a state of compassion without taking on someones concerns. Maternity massage also demands a good intellect so you can understand whats going on with a woman physiologically, Osborne added.So, take some time to really think about your professional goals and how maternity massage fits into your vision. Some massage therapists find the work too daunting, Osborne says. Others find the demand of this and the way in which it engages us on many levels a tremendous joy.
Ive gone to labors where progress or outcome of labor has been such that I needed the help of a practice supervisor to sort my way through my emotional reactions to what occurred, Osborne remembers. You cant help but sometimes wonder about what you did and didnt do, or perhaps have questions about what happened with the medical team.
Perineal Massage Instructions And Tips
As you approach your 34th week of pregnancy, talk to your midwife or doctor about when you should begin your perineal massage routine. Once you have been given the go-ahead from your health care provider, start practicing perineal massage every day for up to 5 minutes until you give birth. You can perform perineal massage on yourself, or you can have your partner do the massage. Regular perineal massage is ideal to promote greater elasticity of the muscles in the perineum, but dont get discouraged if you miss a day or two- just pick up your routine the next day.1. Before beginning a perineal massage, wash your hands and trim your nails.
4. Perineal massage can be done with either or both thumbs, your index or middle ngers, or two ngers on each hand. Insert your thumbs or ngers about an inch inside the vagina , resting your palms against your inside leg.
6. Continue the massage for up to 5 minutes. Reapply massage gel as needed.
7. When performing perineal massage with your partner, sit facing your partner, with your legs draped over the outside of your partners legs. Your partner can use the same techniques above but should use his/her index fingers instead of thumbs.Visit Fairhaven Healths website for complete perineal massage instructions
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Tips For A Pleasant Massage Experience
The first thing I tell my clients is to try not to feel self-conscious. A good massage therapist is not judgmental. The therapist wont care if you havent shaved your legs in a while or if youve gained a little extra weight during pregnancy. Massage therapists see the human body like an artist sees a canvas. Our goal is to help you feel less pain and greater relaxation. On that note, your privacy is very important. A professional massage therapist will never ask you to expose more of your body than youre comfortable showing. If you feel uneasy for any reason, be sure to tell your therapist right away.
Finally, its important to hydrate before your appointment. Pregnant women require additional fluid intake anyway, so drink a few extra glasses of water before and after your appointment.
Its safe to have up to weekly prenatal massages as long as you dont have a condition that could put you or your baby at risk. Call or request an appointment online with your doctor to discuss your personal risk factors or to get clearance to enjoy a prenatal massage.
Pregnancy Massage Could Be On Message For Your Partner
Its week 7 of the pregnancy and, with your partners body largely the same, and the expected date of delivery still some time away you could be forgiven for just carrying on as usual. You might even, as many dads-to-be do, wish to bury your head in the sand and block out all thoughts of the enormity of the event to come.
However, it is best to begin the process of readying yourself not only for the arrival of the child but also for the labour and delivery.
One thing you can do towards this which can bring plenty of benefit in the here and now is to learn some basic massage techniques in readiness for the labour .
Massage is known to stimulate the production of endorphins, the bodys in-built pain relief and mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. Even if youve never heard of them, you are doubtlessly familiar with their sensation: they are behind that rush you get after a good run, game of football, laughing fit or particularly satisfying sex session.
So, why not learn how to massage your partner through pregnancy and labour? The great news is that even if she doesnt want it on the big day, regular massage leading up to birth can help her through some of the more difficult symptoms while it can also significantly enhance your bond.
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What Does A Pregnancy Massage Involve
Pregnancy can put a lot of stress on your back, shoulders, neck and abdominal muscles. Pregnancy massage is designed to relieve some of the aches and pains that are common during pregnancy. A qualified therapist will understand the areas to target and which to avoid.
Before the massage begins, your therapist will talk to you about your health and lifestyle. They will ask you to lie on a specially-designed massage table and will cover you with towels to protect your privacy and to keep you warm. They will probably use creams or oils to help them to massage your skin smoothly.
They will help you to get comfortable with pillows. Remember it is not a good idea to lie flat on your back while you are in the second half of your pregnancy since this puts too much pressure on the vein that runs from your legs to your heart.
What Are The Benefits Of Perineal Massage
According to research, it is said that between 40-80 percent of women will tear during a vaginal delivery and around two-thirds of tears will need some stitches.
Here are some of the wonderful benefits of perineal massage:
- Reduces the risk of tearing: Studies suggest that around 1 in 15 women who regularly perform a perineal massage dont need an episiotomy or experience tearing that requires stitches.
- Helps the skin stretch: The act of massage increases the amount of blood flow to the area. This could help these tissues stretch more easily which can help reduce pain during labour! Convinced, Mama? We sure are!
- Prepares your body for childbirth: Massaging your perineum may help you get used to the feelings you experience during labour. This could also help you to relax and focus when the time comes to push, push, push!
- Reduces the need for stitches: Studies suggest that massaging your perineum could reduce the need for stitching by 10%, which could help make any tearing a lot less severe, Mama!
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When Should I Get A Prenatal Massage
As you can see, there is some discrepancy about prenatal massage safety. But, the general consensus is that its best to wait until the second trimester to get a prenatal massage. If you were a heavy drinker, drug user or smoker prior to pregnancy, it may be best to avoid massage altogether to avoid any detox reaction.
Talk to your provider, who can make a recommendation based on your own personal history.
Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist
Our prenatal certification package consists as a package special of the two following courses :
- Define common terminology relating to pregnancy
- Describe the specific considerations for performing prenatal massage during all three trimesters, including positioning, bolstering, and draping
- Perform a full body prenatal massage in all three trimesters
- Explain the effect of episiotomies, explain the benefit of rationale of self-perineal massage practice, and demonstrate perineal massage to help prepare their clients to avoid an episiotomy (NOTE: The therapist does NOT perform perineal massage, and demonstrates using the webbing of their thumb and forefinger to represent the perineal tissue
- Perform a postpartum massage on the uterus and check for a diastasis of the rectus abdominus
- List and explain the risk factors for postpartum depression and recognize symptoms of postpartum depression
Why is the prenatal certification broken into two 12-CE courses instead of being a single course? Approved byThese courses were approved by Florida as an approved distance learning course for required hours of “relevant to massage therapy” category hours for the 8/31/2021 renewal cycle. Completions after 8/31/2021 will be reported as “General” hours, not “relevant to massage therapy” hours. Fundamentals course #20-795810 Techniques course # 20-795800. Canada Massage Therapy approval, acceptanceTuitonbefore coupons.
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What About When I’m In Labour
Massage can also be used very effectively during labour to relieve back pain and generalised muscle tension. It is a good, practical way of partners being an active part of labour. Not all women like to be massaged when they are in labour though, and find it to be distracting and a major irritation. Some massage therapists or doulas use aromatherapy oils to induce labour. These combined with massage are thought to enhance the progression of labour.
*Please note that the published date may not be the same as the date that the content was created and that information above may have changed since.
What Makes Pregnancy Massage Different
A pregnant person’s body must be properly positioned and supported during the massage for the comfort and safety of the mother and growing baby. After about 20 weeks, for instance, lying on your back can put excess pressure on your abdomen, restricting blood flow.
During a prenatal massage, you will usually positioned be lying on your side rather than on your stomach or back. This is particularly important during the later stages of pregnancy. Pillows, bolsters, or padding may be used to support your back, knees, and/or feet. Alternatively, your massage therapist may suggest that you sit upright or in a semi-reclining position.
The most common massage technique used during pregnancy massage is effleurage, a long, gliding stroke used in Swedish massage . If you’re used to strong pressure, you’ll likely find the pressure during pregnancy massage gentle and light.
While the massage therapist may use deeper pressure in certain areas distant from your belly like your shoulders, the overall pressure may be much lighter than what you are used to. The massage should be tailored to your health concerns. If you are experiencing morning sickness, for example, your massage therapist may avoid using rocking techniques.
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How To Give A Prenatal Massage At Home
Ask your partner or a friend to use these tips for an at-home maternal massage:
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
Performing The Perineal Massage
With the help of a natural lubricating oil, insert your thumb inside the reproductive organ. The muscles you need to massage are only 3 or 4 cm from the opening.
To take care of your pregnancy is to take care of your baby.-Anonymous-
The most important thing is to put pressure on the perineum. This should be done for at least a minute, pushing down in the direction of the vagina and the anus.
In the beginning, it should only be done up to the point where it hurts or generates any symptoms of wearing down or inflammation.
Its also important to do a back and forth movement with your thumb that lasts between 3 and 4 minutes approximately. Dont forget the external massage in the area of skin located between the anus and the female genital area.
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Perineal Massage During Pregnancy Helps Prevent Tearing During Delivery
When it comes to perineal massage, this old saying definitely applies: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Perineal massage during pregnancy involves the gentle, manual stretching of the tissues that shape the birth canal. The benefits of this ancient practice have been studied by researchers, and there is now strong scientific evidence indicating that when done regularly in the last 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy, perineal massage increases your chance of delivering a baby vaginally without damaging your perineum, which results in a decreased chance of tearing and episiotomy.
Perineal tears and surgical cuts require stitching, which can lengthen recovery time after delivery and often cause scarring, pain and urinary or fecal incontinence that can negatively impact your life long after childbirth. The good news is that dedicating just 5 minutes each day during the last several weeks of pregnancy doing perineal massage can prevent trauma to your perineal tissues during childbirth.
Find A Comfortable Position
Set yourself up in a space thats both private and comfortable. You may want to perform the massage while lying in your bed or on a sofa with your legs open and your knees bent. Consider using pillows or a dedicated pregnancy pillow to support your upper body if youd like to sit upright.
Other options include massage while in the bath, while standing with one leg on a stool in the shower , or possibly while sitting on the toilet. Its up to you, but make sure whatever area you choose is clean, private, and that youre safe from falls.
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Who Does Pregnancy Massage
If you are thinking about having a pregnancy massage, it is important to find a qualified therapist who specialises in the field of ante-natal massage. Ask your maternity care provider who they generally recommend, or do a search in your local area for a practitioner. When you do find a massage therapist, ask them about their qualifications and what training they have had.
The Association of Massage Therapists Ltd. is the oldest massage association in Australia though there are others with practitioner membership groups as well. Some physiotherapists have a particular interest in obstetric massage and provide massage services too.
But I Can’t Even Lie Down
Equipment required for pregnancy massage can be a little different to the standard issue. Body position during prenatal massage is important in order to maximise the effectiveness of the massage and to fully gain its benefits. Many health and massage professionals recommend a side-lying position for pregnant women during massage.
Current research supports the use of standard massage tables, rather than those which have a hole cut out in them to accommodate the pregnant belly. Cut outs can allow the abdomen to dangle unsupported and cause stretching of the uterine ligaments. However if cut out tables or pillows are used, these should not be used for extended periods of time. Tell the massage therapist that you d prefer not to by lying in the same position for too long and if at any stage you feel uncomfortable.
NB It may be useful for you to contact your massage therapist before your initial appointment and clarify which position/s you will be placed in during your massage.
Lying on your back is not recommended past the first trimester so your positioning will be restricted to your tummy or your side. The massage therapist should have a range of pillows and foam cut-outs to support your belly and avoid extra muscular strain.
Prices vary for pregnancy massage services though a rebate is available through some health insurance funds. This is dependent on the level of extras cover.
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Benefits Of Pregnancy Massage
Are you experiencing some of the common struggles of pregnancy, such as back pain, muscle tension, surging hormones, or stress? A pregnancy massage may help. Here are ten popular benefits of pregnancy massage.
Lower back pain is so common during pregnancy that some estimates suggest at least half of pregnant women will experience it . Outside of the physical discomfort, back pain can lead to higher levels of stress, difficulty sleeping, and trouble completing everyday activities.
Studies show massage can help relieve back pain. In one particular study, a pregnant woman with back pain underwent twelve 30-minute sessions of massage over the course of six weeks. All four parameters used in the study to measure pain were improved by the end of the treatment .
Look down. If you can still see your feet, are they swollen to a point of disbelief? You are not alone.
Many women experience edema, or swelling, in their ankles and feet during pregnancy. If they suddenly resemble tree trunks, youre one of those women.
Swelling is caused by a number of factors. Your body retains more water during pregnancy and the pressure of your growing belly slows down the flow of blood to and from your heart, causing blood to pool more easily . As always, your hormones also play a role.
A pregnancy massage stimulates your soft muscle tissues, which helps to drain fluids and promote healthy circulation .
