Prenatal Massage in the First Trimester

Massage during pregnancy can do wonders for your health and wellbeing. Reducing your stress levels, relieving muscle aches and even rejuvenating your energy are just some of the possible benefits. Some mothers say that pregnancy massage even helps them to feel more connected with their growing baby.

Massage is generally safe for most pregnant women. However, the safety of massages in the first trimester has often been an area of controversy. Because of this, some massage therapists refuse to give pregnant women a massage until after the first trimester after 12 weeks gestation.

If you are experiencing lots of morning sickness and fatigue in your first trimester, you might not even feel like a massage. Lying on your tummy could make you feel more nauseated. Consider whether your time and money might be better spent on a massage later on in your pregnancy when you are feeling better and may enjoy it more.

If you are interested in getting a massage before you're 12 weeks pregnant, it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare professional first. Before you make an appointment for a massage, ask whether a massage might pose any risks to your health and the progress of your pregnancy. Check the training and experience of the massage therapist. Some are more experienced with pregnancy massage.

The problem with massages in early pregnancy

At any time in your pregnancy, you should consult your healthcare professional about getting a massage if you:

Your safest option for massage

If you do schedule a massage during early pregnancy, it's important to keep your safety and your baby's safety in mind. Let the massage therapist know you are pregnant and how far along you are.Arrange your massage with a trained and certified masseuse with experience in massaging pregnant women. Your healthcare professional might be able to recommend an appropriately trained person. Take notice of the position your massage therapist suggests as you lay down. Depending on how pregnant you are, different positions will be safer and more comfortable. Lying on your side with a pillow to support your belly is usually the preferred and safest option. However, in early pregnancy—before 22 weeks—it's generally safe for pregnant mothers to lie on their back. After 22 weeks, you should avoid lying flat on your back. This is because the weight of your belly and growing baby is likely to put pressure on your blood vessels and restrict the flow of blood and nutrients to your baby. Because blood volume will almost double during pregnancy, it's also best to avoid getting a deep tissue massage or any other type of strong massage. These techniques could affect your circulation and blood pressure and may put you and your baby at risk. If you feel uncomfortable or experience any pain during a massage, politely ask your therapist to focus on another area or stop altogether. Every pregnancy is unique and the best way to know if something is good for you and your baby is to listen to your body.