Should You Get a Prenatal Massage? 5 Things to Consider

For a pregnant mom who is already far along, walking does not look like walking anymore – you are basically ‘waddling’. If you are one, you might know what that’s like. You are carrying a growing baby bump that places stress on various parts around your hips to the point that getting enough sleep is almost impossible to achieve. If the nagging discomforts never seem to go away, know that you have a ton of solutions and you simply have to find one that will work for you.

If you are like a lot of expectant mothers, you may at some point consider prenatal massage. Still, some concerns may have been stopping you from calling that massage therapist or setting the appointment. Sounds like you? We may know exactly the kind of concerns you are talking about. Here are five things you should consider before getting a prenatal massage to ensure it would be a smooth and rejuvenating experience. We also add the most frequently asked questions related to some of the concerns.

Body aches

It is not uncommon for pregnancy to be accompanied by body discomforts and stressful times. If you are able to cope with it or endure them for a long time, then perhaps getting a massage does not need to be on your to-do list yet – or at least, not listed among the highly-prioritised ones. Ask yourself, ‘Are the body aches not tolerable for any longer?’ ‘Are these aches recurring ones and going to come back some other times?’ ‘Do your activities or pace get slowed down due to the aches?’. If your answer to all these questions is yes, it’s time you set that massage appointment. 

Can prenatal massage make you sick?

A prenatal massage should not make you sick, but if you are experiencing severe morning sickness and sensitive to touch, perhaps you should put off the massage for a bit. Wait until you are past the morning sickness phase to indulge in a massage. This is one of the reasons prenatal massage is not encouraged during the first trimester when morning sickness normally occurs.

Can I get a back massage while pregnant?

Yes, you certainly can. In fact, back pain is one of the most common occurrences among pregnant moms. Massage can relieve it as it is meant to improve your blood flow which, in turn, reduces cramps.

 Trimester

How far along are you? You certainly have known already, but the first trimester is a quite sensitive phase because this is the period when things are riskier since your body and your fetus are changing rapidly. For that reason, it is not recommended to get a prenatal massage yet during this time. 

Furthermore, you would be noticing very little changes in terms of weight gain and perhaps bodily discomfort. Unless you are already experiencing severe aches during the first trimester, it is better to wait until you are at least in the second trimester. This is so that you can see effective changes to your body compared to the earlier months when your body barely shows any physical symptoms of pregnancy.   

Can massage cause miscarriage?

Prenatal massage will not cause miscarriage. Hence, it is important that you get the massage from a skilled prenatal massage therapist and not any other masseuse, even if they are ‘good at what they do’. Prenatal massage requires different techniques and cover different body parts than the normal body massage, so a regular masseuse may not have the same set of skills and knowledge as a prenatal masseuse does.

Is prenatal massage safe in third trimester?

It’s not too late! You can safely get the massage after 28 weeks of pregnancy and the latest by 2 weeks before your EDD. If you need it earlier within week 16 until week 27 of pregnancy, make sure to get the green light from your obstetrician or gynaecologist first. Also, throughout the massage, do inform your masseuse if you experience any abnormal discomfort.

Can I get a massage at 5 weeks pregnant?

While it should not impose any health risks, some massage therapists may reject pregnant moms who are still in the first trimester. The first trimester begins from week 1 until the twelfth week of your pregnancy. During this time, you may experience morning sickness and there are very little changes to your body, so massage may seem to not treat many things. Plus, some mothers may not even realise they are pregnant at this point, so the thought of getting a prenatal massage may never even occur to them.

Existing injury

If your body has a bruise, it is important to inform your masseuse so the massage will not enhance the appearance or severity of the bruise. The prenatal massage, in any form, should not cause bruises whatsoever. A prenatal massage does not include the application of deep tissue massage and instead just gentle strokes or presses without causing any pain. Likewise, if you indeed do feel some sort of pain after getting a massage, identify the body part and other possible causes first. They might not be due to the massage, after all. 

To not cause any complications, examine your body thoroughly and locate any pain points. Once you have the chance to talk to your massage therapist, let them know what you have found. The massage therapist will be able to adjust their techniques on the bruised parts accordingly, so make sure to let them know beforehand about any injuries to avoid any unwanted reactions.

Walking difficulty

Is it difficult to walk? On average, how much or how far do you think you can walk every day? If you are already pretty far along, travelling elsewhere either by driving, walking, or a combination of both may not be the best way to go about it. Really, picture the scenario. You head down to a location for a massage, and then you get all relaxed and indulged in the moment throughout the massage. Once you are done, you still have to head home. That pretty much cancel outs all the heavenly effects of getting the massage. You might even feel like getting another massage session once you reach home. Therefore, if you experience difficulty when walking (i.e. waddling), the best option is to opt for a home-based massage. This way, you can get the massage in the comfort of your home and continue relaxing after your massage therapist has left.

What causes pregnant woman’s feet to swell?

Water retention causes some of your body parts like legs and arms to swell. If you sit or place your weight on one area for a long time, the retention can worsen the swelling at that part. That is why you may see some pregnant mothers’ feet or sole may crack from standing or walking far.

Is walking good for swollen feet during pregnancy?

Walking is generally a good activity for a pregnant mother because it can help later on in the labour. However, if walking worsens your feet or legs, minimise the time spent walking and resort to other activities that do not require you to walk a lot, like basic yoga or massage.

Is leg massage safe during pregnancy? 

It certainly is! It can help relieve water retention and prevent cramps, thus significantly easing your walking.

Medical history

Review the relevant information bearing your past and present medical records. If you have a condition that can be compromised by a massage, getting one while you are pregnant may not be the safest thing for you. This should include everything from joint misalignment or even sensitivity to certain oils. If you have tried a body massage before and everything turned out fine, massage may be safe for you. Regardless, it is best to consult a doctor or other professionals who’d know better in regards to whether it is safe for you (despite your medical history) to opt for a prenatal massage.    

Are prenatal massages safe? 

They are generally safe, provided that you are actually getting a PRENATAL massage and it has to be from a pregnancy massage therapist who is trained and skilled to perform pregnancy massage. 

All in all, a prenatal massage should not impose any bad results on you. It is supposed to be a relaxing moment that can treat and relieve your discomforts. If you are considering getting a home prenatal massage Singapore service, go ahead, you very much deserve it!