Massage during pregnancy is a proven way to relax the pregnant person and relieve the pain and physical discomfort associated with pregnancy. It is a gentle and enveloping treatment that combines different massage therapy techniques and manoeuvres e. It goes without saying that the body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, some of which are associated with the appearance of discomfort or pain.
For example, the increasing weight of the baby puts pressure on the back and legs of the person carrying the baby. Other more subtle changes can also cause pain, especially in late pregnancy. These include the secretion of relaxin. This hormone, produced during the last weeks of gestation, acts on the cervix and surrounding muscle tissue to prepare the body for delivery.
However, relaxin has a perverse effect, since it also acts on the joints, making them more mobile and therefore more fragile to injury. Thus, at the end of pregnancy, the body tends to compensate for the excess weight in the belly, which puts more strain on the joints and encourages the onset of pain. Massage is certainly an effective way to reduce stress and promote a state of well-being during pregnancy.
However, the benefits of massage during pregnancy go beyond simple relaxation. Here are some of the benefits:. Massage during pregnancy is considered safe if it is normal and uncomplicated, and if it is performed by a well-trained and competent massage therapist.
However, this type of massage should be avoided if the person has any of the following conditions. In the case of a high-risk pregnancy, for example if the person has gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, it is preferable to discuss the matter with the attending physician and obtain their agreement before seeking massage therapy.
