|
More Information for Women & Healthcare Providers
Pregnancy is a time of major structural, physiological,
psychological, spiritual, and social changes. Some of these changes produce
discomforts and concerns which can be addressed with appropriate massage therapy and body
use guidance.
Pregnancy massage therapy is beneficial throughout the nine months of a low-risk
pregnancy (see high risk list). If you are not
having a low risk pregnancy, discuss your condition with Melody and with your physician or
midwife. After further discussion, you may be able to receive therapy with
additional written release.
Read on to learn more about Pregnancy Massage Therapy:
Possible Benefits
Massage therapy during pregnancy is not intended to replace appropriate prenatal care.
When used as a form of adjunctive health care, some of its possible benefits are:
 | Reduces stress and promotes relaxation; provides emotional support and physical
nurturing, particularly for those who are alone in the process, either literally or by the
emotional absence of the partner. |
| Relieves muscle spasms, cramps, fibrosis, and pain, especially in the back and neck. |
| Alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints and musculo-fascial structures
(sacro-iliac
joint, mid-back and lumbar spine, hips). |
| Increases blood and lymph circulation and supports the physiological process of
gestation, by supporting the work of the heart, increasing cellular respiration, reducing
edema, and contributing to sympathetic nervous system sedation. |
| Develops the sensory awareness and relaxation necessary to be an active and responsive
participant in the birth experience. (in order to birth, the musculature of the
legs, back, abdomen, and pelvic floor must release to allow the uterus to labor with no
resistance). |
| Provides a pregnant woman with the experience and model of loving, nurturing touch that
encourages her to touch her baby lovingly. |
Complications of
pregnancy which would contraindicate massage therapy (if resolved, participation is
possible with additional midwife/physician release)
| Threatened miscarriage |
| Early labor |
| Placental dysfunctions |
| GEPH (Pre-eclampsia) |
| Gestational diabetes |
| Eclampsia (Toxemia) |
Other conditions contraindicating participation in
massage therapy (if resolved, participation is possible with additional midwife/physician
release)
| High blood pressure |
| Heart disease (3rd trimester) |
| Kidney and bladder diseases |
| Any infectious disease |
| Cancer or undiagnosed lumps |
| Contraindicated for affected areas only:
| Severe varicose veins |
| Thrombophlebitis |
| Skin irritation and/or discharge |
| Lupus erythematosus and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome |
|
High Risk Pregnancies,
as defined by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (in some cases, requires
additional midwife/physician release)
| Pre-pregnancy diabetes mellitus |
| Cardiac, pulmonary, or liver disorders |
| Chronic hypertension |
| Previous problem pregnancy |
| Multiple pregnancy |
| Mother's age under 18 or over 35 |
| Asthmatic mother |
| RH-negative factor or maternal genetic problems, including DES exposure and other
uterine abnormalities |
| Risk of fetal genetic disorders |
| Convulsive disorders |
| Intrauterine growth retardation, abnormal fetal movement or heartbeat |
| Systemic lupus erythematosus and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome |
|
|