Massage during pregnancy

Massage during pregnancy – Advantages

Massage during pregnancy has many benefits when performed by an experienced professional. It can relieve pain while providing relaxation and relief. It can relax the muscles and help with recurrent sciatica, which affects many pregnant women. Due to the change in the body’s centre of gravity during pregnancy, back pain is a common complaint that can be relieved by a properly performed massage. Physiotherapy treatments are also helpful for swelling in the lower limbs or varicose veins. Massage during pregnancy and relaxation of the expectant mother can also have a positive effect on the baby in the uterine cavity. It is worth remembering that massage is recognised as a form of non-pharmacological relief from labour pain. When performed by a loved one, such as a partner, it can relieve pre-labour pain or contractions that occur during labour.

Massage during pregnancy – is it safe?

It is always advisable to choose experienced people when undergoing treatment. Not all physiotherapists deal with pregnant women on a daily basis. Since this is a special group of patients, it is best to choose a specialist in this field. Usually these therapists also deal with urogynaecological physiotherapy, so they can also prepare the pregnant woman for childbirth. Before a massage, it is advisable to consult the family doctor, especially in case of pregnancy complications and high-risk pregnancies. Treatments with needles and ultrasound waves are not recommended. Furthermore, it is important to apply the right pressure and to massage in such a way that the course of the pregnancy is not affected.

Massage during pregnancy – when?

As there is an increased risk of pregnancy loss in the first trimester, the use of various treatments is discouraged during this time. Their harmfulness has not been proven, but it is better to “let the cat out of the bag”. If a woman is in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and the attending physician does not have any contraindications, the expectant mother can enjoy a massage. It is best to do it regularly, but not more often than once a week. It should be tailored to the discomfort and condition of the pregnant woman. From the second trimester until the birth, a relaxing massage, e.g. by your partner, is recommended. This eases the contractions and relaxes the mother-to-be’s body. In addition, the couple gets to know each other, which makes it much easier to work together during the birth. In addition, the bond between the parents is strengthened.