Pregnancy Massage Myth Buster Edition

With mother’s day fast approaching and the recent advanced training I have done to specialise in perinatal massage I thought it would be the perfect time to clear up some massage myths for all my wonderful expectant mothers.

Is massage safe during pregnancy
Definitely YES! And so incredibly beneficial all the way through your pregnancy. However anyone can provide pregnancy massage so do your research and find someone with adequate training that can be sure to provide the safest and most beneficial massage tailored to your needs

When is it safe to have a massage
When massage is performed by a qualified perinatal specialist massage can be safely performed throughout your entire pregnancy, from preconception throughout labour and postnatal for recovery. So whenever you feel you want/need one, go for it. A therapist with adequate perinatal training should be able to safely treat your concerns throughout each trimester and beyond.

Should you have your stomach massaged while pregnant
YES, YES, YES! As you know, the stomach will expand during pregnancy and this can cause discomfort and on some occasions even pain. Abdominal massage can assist with this and make pregnancy far more comfortable.  

Positioning for comfort and safety
Pregnancy massage can be safely done laying in a few positions such as; 
Face down – This can be safely done with a support system up until around 25 weeks gestation. There are massage tables with a hole built into it for the stomach, this is something I would avoid as it is one size fits all it is unlikely to be comfortable and it is definitely not supportive.
Side lying – This is the optimal position for pregnancy massage, and allows for better ability for the therapist to treat common problems experienced during pregnancy and is a safe position throughout the entire pregnancy.  
Back – laying flat on your back during pregnancy in not recommended as it puts added pressure on the main blood vessel and therefore is not safe. This is why if you are asked into this position you want to make sure you are in a semi reclined position (seated) rather than flat on your back.
 
The Best advice I can give to any expectant mother would be to do your research on the therapist, what level of training have they done? and the location, what equipment do they use? If you are content with their answers you will hopefully be in for a good treatment. Never be afraid to ask these questions and do some research before you book.