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I Am Pregnant and Want to Get a Massage
Being pregnant is a wonderful experience, but it can come with back pain among other discomforts. Massage is a great way to maintain comfort and help temporarily relieve pain. Some people just want to continue their usual routine. Is it possible and what are the rules to follow when receiving massage therapy while pregnant? Here are the details.
It is possible to get a massage once you have reached three months of pregnancy. However, massage therapist associations recommend getting medical consent before undertaking massage therapy. Since the first three months are more at risk, it is better to wait until this period has passed.
After that, only a few restrictions might prevent you from getting a massage:
- significant fluid or blood loss;
- diabetes;
- contagious disease;
- fever;
- vomiting;
- unusual pain;
- pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure, proteinuria, weight gain, edema);
- hypertension;
- morning sickness;
- abdominal pain;
- diarrhea;
- any unhealthy condition.
In all other cases, it will do you a lot of good. Relief, increased blood circulation, and reduced swelling are some of the benefits of a pregnancy massage.
It is obvious that if you are used to getting massages, the massage will probably be less vigorous. Do not hesitate to inform your massage therapist so that they can adjust the pressure to keep it comfortable at all times.
For those who have never received a massage or have concerns because they can no longer lie on their stomach, do not worry, several options are available. There are cushions for pregnant women that allow you to lie on your stomach with space for the belly. This makes it easier to get a full back massage. However, some women do not like this position even with the adapted cushion. No problem! The massage can be done on the side. Also, some people are trained to do chair massages which could be another alternative.
Ask your massage therapist for more information.
At all times, massages are performed using a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cream to avoid any skin problems or nausea.
All that is left to say is: enjoy your massage!