Pregnancy is a lovely thing, but it is not without its aches and discomfort. If you’re pregnant and seeking solutions to relieve pregnancy discomfort, prenatal massage may be the answer. However, there’s a lot of misinformation concerning pregnancy massage. So let’s dispel the top five fallacies regarding prenatal massage.
Myth 1: Massage Will Start Labor Before You’re Ready
Some mothers want to quit coming in at thirty weeks because they are afraid they may go into labor too early. This is not correct. In fact, we recommend that you get a massage near your due date to get the maximum advantages (on average, think three hours shorter of labor). At 38+ weeks, things become a bit more complicated since we can provide a labor stimulation treatment using certain acupressure sites and methods. Again, coming to a therapist who knows when to reach these areas and when to dodge them is essential.
Myth 2: Massage Has the Potential to Rotate My Baby
It is beyond the expertise of a massage therapist to attempt to rotate a breech baby. Nevertheless, this also works the other way, so you don’t have to stress about us turning the baby in the wrong direction.
Myth 3: Prenatal Massage is Relaxing, but It Does Nothing Else
This is not so much a myth as a concept that people simply don’t understand. Indeed, prenatal massage feels amazing and can help reduce your body’s discomfort. However, it is A LOT MORE THAN THAT! It can also assist with:
- Lower Anxiety & Depression
- Improve Mood & Lower Stress
- Decrease labor time by up to 3 hours
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Reduce Swelling
- Increase Oxytocin Production
- Improve Quality and Length of Sleep
- Lower Prenatal Complications
With all of the advantages and few risks, pregnancy massage may be a highly effective tool for helping you feel your best during your pregnancy. Is it appropriate for everyone? No, there are a few high-risk concerns we are unable to work on, and others that may necessitate a doctor’s certificate before starting, but it’s essential to note that we do this because we’re trained and recognize what your body goes through throughout pregnancy. Going to an expert ensures not only the best massage but also the safety of you and the unborn baby.
Myth 4: Only the Mother-To-Be Receives Benefits from Prenatal Massage
This is one of the biggest fallacies! Prenatal massage isn’t just for the mother-to-be, but it’s also excellent for the father-to-be and even other children in the family. While we focus on relaxation and decreasing discomfort for mom, everyone in the family can feel more connected and less stressed.
Conclusion
Prenatal massage is an excellent way to relax, reduce stress and anxiety, and decrease pregnancy discomfort. However, there are a few myths surrounding prenatal massage that can discourage expectant mothers from seeking out this wonderful service. Hopefully, this article has helped to dispel some of those myths and misconceptions. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always happy to chat and answer any questions you may have!
