Massage during pregnancy – facts and myths – is it really banned?
Massage during pregnancy facts and myths – is it really forbidden?
Massage during pregnancy arouses many emotions - on the one hand, future mothers are looking for ways to relax and relieve tension, on the other hand, they often hear that they should avoid it. Moreover, many doctors advise against this procedure, taking a very conservative approach. But is massage during pregnancy really a threat? Are there any legitimate contraindications or is it just a myth? It's time to dispel doubts and look at the facts and myths on this subject.
Myth: Massage during pregnancy is prohibited and dangerous for pregnant women
Many doctors advise against massage during pregnancy, fearing a negative impact on the mother or baby. However, this belief is mainly due to caution and lack of sufficient knowledge about modern prenatal massage techniques. What's more, organizations such as the American Pregnancy Association and experienced physiotherapists confirm that a properly performed massage does not pose a threat and even brings many benefits.
Fact: An experienced therapist can safely perform massage during pregnancy if there are no medical contraindications.
Myth: Massage in the first trimester increases the risk of miscarriage
This is one of the most frequently repeated statements. In fact, the first trimester means big changes for the body, which is why some offices refrain from performing massages during this period. However, there is no scientific evidence that massage itself leads to miscarriage.
Fact: It is worth being careful in the first trimester, but this does not mean that every form of massage is prohibited. Gentle work on the back and arms can be completely safe.
Myth: You cannot massage your legs during a prenatal massage because it may cause thrombosis
During pregnancy, the risk of blood clots increases, especially in the legs. However, this does not mean that leg massage is harmful. On the contrary - gentle techniques improve circulation, reduce swelling and support the lymphatic system. Of course, the therapist avoids strong pressure on the blood vessels, adapting the technique to the needs of the future mother.
Fact: Leg massage during pregnancy helps reduce swelling and improves blood flow, but it should be entrusted to an experienced specialist.
Myth: Prenatal massage can cause premature labor
This is one of the myths resulting from the fear of stimulating specific acupressure points. Some sources say that pressure around the ankles or lower back can cause uterine contractions. However, therapists who specialize in pregnant women massage know how to avoid these areas and only use safe techniques.
Fact: There is no evidence that properly performed massage can induce labor. What's more, gentle techniques help relax the body and reduce tension that can make it difficult to relax at the end of pregnancy.
Myth: Massage during pregnancy can be performed in any position
Standard massage often involves lying on the back or stomach. However, during pregnancy, lying on your back for a longer period of time may cause pressure on the inferior vena cava, which may result in dizziness and shortness of breath. Therefore, the best position is lying on the side or in a semi-sitting position, which increases the comfort and safety of the future mother.
Fact: The position during a pregnancy massage should correspond to the needs of the woman and the stage of pregnancy. Therefore, the therapist ensures optimal body positioning.
Benefits of prenatal massage – what does the physiotherapist say?
– Massage during pregnancy is not only a moment of relaxation, but also real support for the body of the future mother. It helps reduce back pain, improves circulation and reduces stress levels. It is worth knowing that a well-performed massage is completely safe and can help prepare the body for childbirth. – says Łukasz Korowaj, physiotherapist at MoveCor Physioterapia.
Summary – is massage during pregnancy safe?
Many of the myths surrounding massage during pregnancy are more out of caution than actual scientific evidence. Moreover, not every form of therapeutic touch is contraindicated during pregnancy. Provided that the massage is performed by a specialist who knows the needs of future mothers, it can bring many benefits to both the body and well-being.
Therefore, if you are expecting a child and are wondering whether massage during pregnancy is for you, it is worth consulting your doctor and choosing a proven place where treatments are performed with due care and knowledge.
