Pregnancy Massage, Some Interesting Facts

As a massage therapist, I have always enjoyed working with women before, during, and after the birth of their babies and I am always interested in learning more and more about the many benefits and science behind perinatal massage. Last week I attended a great talk by Leslie Stager, one of the foremost authorities on pregnancy massage. 

The talk was entitled "Myths and
Realities" and here are a few of the tidbits that I took away:

* Massage in the first trimester is fine and wonderfully helpful!


* Because miscarriage rates in the first trimester are so common (22-24%), there
had been a perception that there was an association between the two. The
truth is that a healthy pregnancy is very difficult to dislodge. If it
were otherwise, there wouldn't be demand for abortive technologies.


* Massage
of the ankles during pregnancy is commonly thought to be something to
be avoided because of acupuncture points associated with the uterus.
Receiving massage of the ankles is NOT a concern if just a couple of
specific acupressure points are avoided. Acupressure stimulates specific
and intentional points that can help support labor labor if it has
already begun or is ready to start.


* Reflexology also supports pregnancy and labor and not miscarriage.


* The biggest concern with massage during pregnancy is due to increased blood
volume and the possibility of blood clots. During a pregnancy massage
care is taken to not work deeply in the thigh and calf areas for this
reason. Lighter, flowing massage strokes are safe and soothing.


 * Massage during the perinatal period is overwhelmingly supportive to the well being of Mama and Baby!