Are massages possible during pregnancy? When?

During pregnancy, a woman carries more weight, and the volume of the abdomen and hips increases. All these physical changes during gestation can lead to added stress and overload on muscles and joints.

Therefore, a good method to relieve these discomforts is through prenatal massages. However, it is essential that these massages are performed by specialists and at the appropriate time to avoid any risk during pregnancy.

It is most common for massages to begin from the second trimester, especially in the abdominal and lower back areas. In the case of legs, feet, or neck, massages can be given from the first trimester. Typically, pregnant women receive these massages 1–2 times per week.

Types of Prenatal Massages

There are different types of massages for pregnant women, depending on the discomfort they are experiencing. These options provide natural pain relief.

Below are the most common types of pregnancy massages:

Therapeutic

Back pain and sciatica are quite common during pregnancy due to increased weight and overload. Therapeutic massages help reduce muscle tension.

Relaxing

This type of massage is performed in a calm environment with the goal of helping the pregnant woman relax.

Perineal

This massage helps prepare the perineal area for childbirth.

Lymphatic

These are typically performed during the final weeks of pregnancy to reduce swelling in the limbs caused by fluid retention.

What massages can be done during pregnancy?

In addition to massages, pregnant women also take care of their health in other ways to ensure their own well-being as well as that of their baby.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Although massages are generally safe during pregnancy, it is recommended to start them from the second trimester onwards.

Some of the main benefits of prenatal massage include:

• Reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
• Improves blood flow, enhancing placental circulation.
• Relieves pressure in the back, neck, and joints caused by the baby's weight.
• Prevents cramps, muscle tension, stiffness, and nerve compression.
• Helps eliminate toxins and reduce fluid retention.
• Stimulates the lymphatic system, helping regulate hormone levels.
• Reduces varicose veins and helps prevent stretch marks.

Advantages of massage during pregnancy

Each session should last between 30 minutes and one hour. The woman lies on her side, using pillows to support the belly for optimal comfort. Massage frequency is usually once or twice a week.

Contraindications of Prenatal Massage

Despite the many advantages of prenatal massages, they are not always recommended. Here are the main contraindications:

• Absence of fetal movement.
• Multiple or high-risk pregnancy.
• Vaginal spotting.
• Abdominal pain and/or diarrhea.
• Preeclampsia or eclampsia.

In what situations are massages not indicated in pregnancy?

Also, massages should be avoided if the pregnant woman feels excessively tired, has nausea or vomiting, or suffers from an autoimmune disease.

In any case, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any therapeutic technique during pregnancy, including massage therapy.

Guidelines for Prenatal Massage

As mentioned earlier, prenatal massages offer many benefits for relieving stress and easing the physical strain caused by pregnancy. However, it’s important to take certain precautions into account.

Most massage types can be adapted for pregnant women, but special care must be taken to avoid pressure on sensitive areas.

Here are some precautions to consider when receiving a massage during pregnancy:

• Avoid abdominal massages, or ensure that pressure is light and gentle.
• Avoid massage tables with holes for the belly and chest, as they may strain the back. The best position is lying on the left side with supportive pillows for comfort.
• Do not use heat-based massage techniques.
• Avoid applying pressure to certain points on the ankles and wrists, especially if the due date is near or there’s a risk of preterm labor, as this could stimulate pelvic muscles.

Precautions for massages in pregnancy

Additionally, strong pressure on the legs should be avoided. Pregnant women are at greater risk of developing blood clots (thrombosis), and deep massage could potentially dislodge them, leading to serious complications.

FAQs from users

Which massages are allowed during pregnancy?

Relaxing and therapeutic massages, as well as circulatory massages, are recommended starting from the second trimester of pregnancy.

However, during the first three months of pregnancy, massages should only be done on the cervical area, without extending beyond the shoulders.

Towards the end of pregnancy, it is also advisable to perform perineal massages, as they help make labor less painful.

Are massages during pregnancy good for nausea?

The general recommendation is to avoid prenatal massages during the first months of pregnancy, as massaging the belly could increase the typical nausea of pregnancy.

However, once the first trimester is over, morning sickness usually disappears, and therefore, it is possible to massage the abdominal area.

Recommended Reading

If you'd like to learn more about pregnancy care throughout the different weeks of gestation, visit this article: Health in pregnancy: nutrition, care and potential problems.

Also, since mood changes are common during pregnancy, you may be interested in this article: Can My Unborn Baby Feel My Emotions? - Mental Health & Pregnancy.