Is It Safe To Have Massage When We Are Pregnant?

When we are pregnant we care about our well-being and  we want to be as relaxed as possible. However, doubts overtake us  when faced with any different activity. For example, we may feel like having a massage, but we are not sure whether it is safe or not in our current state.

A specialist explains how safe and beneficial a massage during pregnancy can be. As we know, anything that contributes to our mental and physical health is welcome at this stage. Although some practices could be contraindicated by experts. Let’s see what they tell us about massages.

Massages for pregnant women

Physiotherapist Flor María Trujillo is a specialist in women’s health; she tells us that the doubt about massage during pregnancy is widespread.  To this day, you don’t know a pregnant woman who arrived at your appointment without any doubts about it.

In most cases, massages seek to stimulate the senses through a mind-body connection. They are also needed in the presence of pain or contractions.

A pregnant woman may require a massage to seek relief. However, it also suits her to do it just for pleasure. However, it all depends on the time of pregnancy and your particular situation. That is why on occasions it is necessary to determine the possible harm to her and the baby.

According to Dr. Trujillo’s experience, yes we can have a massage if we are pregnant. Nevertheless, it is absolutely necessary that we put ourselves in the hands of a professional. In this regard, it is convenient that the person who will give us the massage has knowledge about our body and about pregnancy.

The physiotherapist also  advises that we wait until after the third trimester of pregnancy to start the massages. It is just after 12 weeks, when pregnancy becomes evident, therefore, that physical pain begins to appear.

Massages can bring many benefits, but each woman is different. In this sense, the opinion of the obstetrician is necessary in case of any doubt. A woman’s body has its own paths, so an accurate diagnosis can favor any therapy.

What are the most beneficial massages during pregnancy?

Massages for pregnant women are intended to improve various aspects of women’s health. Currently, it is a common exercise and specific guidelines are designed for each case. The most recommended massages at this stage are as follows:

Back Massages

Back pain is common in pregnant women, but it can be relieved with a specific massage. The reason for these pains is due to changes in musculature and bone structure. Faced with this type of pain, it is convenient to perform massage therapies to provide relief.

In addition, during back massage sessions,  professionals help prevent incorrect postures. The physiotherapist advises the pregnant woman on the posture that suits her best, both to relieve pain and to avoid it.

perineal massage

This type of massage has a special technique, for this reason, only someone with experience can apply it. It tends to be more complex than other massages and is very important during pregnancy. Not all pregnant women do this type of therapy, but it is highly recommended.

Through perineal massage, the pelvic floor is stimulated so that the muscles acquire strength and flexibility for childbirth. A massage like this is gentle, but it can ease dilation when it’s time to give birth.

Massage to drain

During pregnancy, the accumulation of fluids becomes more evident and problematic. For this reason it is recommended to  look for massage sessions whose purpose is to help drain those fluids that are too much.

It is also very important in the leg region, where most inflammation takes place. These massages help relieve the pain caused by the accumulation of fluids and also improve circulation.