BENEFITS OF PRENATAL MASSAGE:

• Relief from muscular tension, especially in the lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck
• Reduced stress on weight-bearing joints
• Enhanced body awareness for better posture and less discomfort
• Enhanced body mechanics and movement during structural change
• Improved birth process by relaxing muscles involved in labor and birth
• Reduced anxiety and stress during time of transition
• Enhanced emotional support and nurturing

PRENATAL MASSAGE CONTRAINDICATIONS

Performing massage therapy services during pregnancy is contraindicated for women experiencing any of the following symptoms/signs:

• Bloody discharge
• Continual abdominal pains
• Sudden gush or leakage of amniotic fluid
• Sudden, rapid weight gain
• Increased blood pressure
• Protein or sugar in urine
• Severe back pain that does not subside with a change in position
• Visual disturbances
• Severe nausea and/or vomiting
• Severe headaches
• Excessive hunger and thirst
• Increased urination in second trimester
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Excessive swelling in your arms or legs
• A decrease in fetal movement over a 24-hour period
• Some additional conditions that contraindicate massage therapy include phlebitis, thrombosis, or suspected clotting conditions, any kidney, liver, or spleen compromise or infection. Local massage on areas with severe varicose veins and swelling are avoided due to clotting risk.

HIGH RISK PREGNANCIES

Let your doctor know you are receiving massage. Wait until your 2nd trimester before receiving massage and only from a licensed massage therapist specially trained in prenatal massage. If a pregnancy becomes high risk during any trimester, it’s important to communicate the health status changes to the massage therapist prior to service. High risk pregnancies include, but are not limited to:

• Early labor, miscarriage threat, placental or cervical dysfunction
•  Gestational Edema Proteinuria Hypertension (GEPH)
• Eclampsia
• Gestational Diabetes
• Incompetent Cervix
• Prenatal Benign Vertigo
•  Placentia Previa
• Preexisting cardiac, renal, connective tissue or liver disorders/diseases
•  Fetal genetic disorders
• Complications in previous pregnancies
• Three or more miscarriages
• Multiple birth pregnancy
• Miscarriage of twin
• In vitro fertilization
• Symphysis pubis dysfunction