May 6, 2002
Women Monthly
Prenatal Massage: for Healthy and Happy Pregnancies
By Jamie Montelongo, LMT, CLE
Whether a hoped-for blessing or an unexpected surprise, for a woman, pregnancy is a time of transformation. As her body changes, a woman must adjust to her altered shape. Physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually, a woman may experience a wide range of changes. Frequently in the media we see childbearing depicted as a romantic, harmonious time. In recent years many woman choose to have only one or two children. Because of birth control and lifestyle options now available, it is not uncommon for many women to wait until their later twenties, thirties, or even their forties before they have children. The emotional investment is high. A woman will likely experience growing concerns along with a growing family. With added concerns, a pregnant woman will usually experience increased stress.
There are many sound reasons to keep stress to a minimum during pregnancy. A mother who listens to her body and gets necessary rest and relaxation is doing something really wonderful for herself and for her baby.
Prenatal Massage Therapy Equals Stress Relief
Time spent with a trained, professional and caring massage therapist is a unique and valuable experience of support and relaxation for pregnant women. What are some of the benefits of Prenatal Massage? I could go on and on about this, but due to limited space, I will try to hit a few of the highlights.
Prenatal Massage offers soothing, nurturing touch combined with focused, individualized attention to the pregnant woman’s physical and emotional concerns. This empathetic contact can be a vital part of a pregnant woman’s support system, especially when family and friends are far away or are not providing this needed support. Massage should be provided in a setting that fosters relaxation and offers a place where a woman can express her concerns in a safe, supportive atmosphere. Massage Therapists can help educate women in stress reduction activities, such as appropriate stretches, breathing techniques, and proper body mechanics.
Prenatal Massage Offers:
- Skilled, Supportive Touch
- Individualized Attention to Specific Needs
- Emotional Support
- A Safe Environment for Expression and Relaxation
- Education in Stress Relief and Encouragement
Physical Benefits:
So far so good, but what about actual physical benefits that Prenatal Massage offers? Before I list some of the wonderful benefits, let us remind ourselves about some of the visible changes which occur. All one needs to do to detect some of the major physical and structural changes that occur during pregnancy is watch the way pregnant women walk, stand, sit, and stand up. There is a tremendous shift in weight and change in center of gravity. Abdominal muscles stretch and separate. Due to hormonal changes as early as the 10th week of pregnancy, ligaments, tendons, and muscles relax and sometimes ache under the increasing weight. The lower spine compresses and the pelvis tilts forward causing more aches and pain. Often the back looks “swayed” and this posture increases strain on hips and other weight-bearing joints. Hips laterally rotate, and to compensate for the increasing abdominal weight, a pregnant woman will frequently lean backward while walking, often called the “pregnancy waddle”. (Please take special note, you soon-to-be Fathers, don’t say this out loud in the presence of your wives.) The head protracts, shoulders depress and laterally rotate causing stress in the upper and mid back and in the neck. Knees feel the strain, and so do those aching feet.
Those are some of the visible changes, and there are many more physical and structural changes occurring that cannot be observed by the simple eye. A competent massage therapist with specific prenatal training will be able to address the individual needs of each client.
Massage Reduces Strain and Pain
Many women report their first incidence of chronic back pain during pregnancy. By targeting the joints and muscles most affected, massage therapy can relieve many of these specific aches and pains that are commonly experienced. Approximately half of all pregnant women experience back pain, especially during the second and third trimesters. Of these women, 25% suffer pain in the upper back, and 25% in the lower back, while 50% experience pain in the sacroiliac region. There are precise massage therapy techniques that address these particular complaints in a way that is safe and extremely effective.
As a pregnancy progresses, ligaments which support the growing uterus are stretched, and pain may refer from these attachment sites. A trained, informed, and skilled massage therapist will be aware and responsive to this type of pain and strain, and offer capable and effective relief. Here are five more benefits associated with Prenatal Massage Therapy:
- Reduces Stress, Encourages Relaxation
- Supports Healthy Circulation, Reduces Excess Fluid Retention
- Increases Flexibility and Physical Comfort
- Eases Constipation, Gas and Heartburn
- Relieves Pain in Muscles and Joints
Some Questions Frequently Asked About Prenatal Massage:
q Do I need my doctor’s approval before receiving massage therapy while I am pregnant?
The vote is divided here. Some LMT’s require a signed release from the physician or midwife before accepting a pregnant client. Other’s feel that since pregnancy is not a disease, no special approval or form is needed. Some massage therapists will not accept a pregnant client during the first trimester when miscarriage is more common.
As an informed client, it is good to ask questions of your potential RMT.
Questions to Ask Massage Therapists:
q What special training and experience do you have?
q Are you certified in Prenatal and Perinatal Massage Therapy?
q Do you require a release from my doctor / midwife?
q Can you give me some names of clients with whom you have worked during their pregnancy?
You need to feel comfortable and safe with your LMT, and be confident that they are knowledgeable, competent and experienced. They should take the time to talk with you to know your specific circumstances and concerns.
q Do you use a massage table with a cut-out or separation for my abdomen so that I can lay face down?
Adjustments for increased uterine size are a principal concern for the LMT, especially during the second trimester and beyond. Laying face down, or prone, is not the optimal position during pregnancy. Sacrouterine ligament strain is likely to occur, even when supported by pillows and on the tables designed for the “face down” position during pregnancy. A respected Prenatal Massage Therapy instructor, Carol Osborn-Sheets, warns: “The additional weight and pressure applied to the back during prone procedures may significantly increase intrauterine pressure.” The side-lying position, along with appropriate placement of pillows, cushions and supports, is the best position for massaging a pregnant woman’s back and pelvis. Deeper pressure that may be called for to relieve pain and tension can be safely administered without increasing intrauterine pressure.
Reading Recommendation:
“Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year” by Elizabeth Noble
Written by a physical therapist, this book is extremely informative. It offers practical guidelines to promote your health and comfort during the childbearing year. It explains the changes your body undergoes with childbearing. Learn how to prepare, use and restore the key muscles involved in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.. A preventive program is presented for optimal recovery of your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Learn how to avoid back pain, maintain bladder control, and keep fit and flexible. This book contains some important information for women before, during and after pregnancy.
For more information about Prenatal and Perinatal Massage Therapy, please contact:
Jamie Montelongo, LMT, CLE
Touchstone Massage Therapy
4118 McCullough, Suite 21
San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210-710-5512
E-Mail: tchstn99@gmail.com
Jamie Montelongo is a licensed massage therapist and owner of Touchstone Massage Therapy. She specializes in therapeutic massage and trigger point therapy for pain and stress relief. Her areas of expertise include pregnancy massage, oncology massage and pain relief therapy for people with fibromyalgia. Jamie is certified in prenatal and perinatal massage and is a certified lactation educator from the University of California at Los Angeles. Two of Jamie’s special interests are ergonomics and stress-relief education. She is a published author and the title of her most recent book is “Work Smarter Not Harder.”
