PRENATAL MASSAGE RISKS & BENEFITS
Prenatal Massage Therapy Benefits - There are several observed or identified potential
benefits to massage therapy during pregnancy, including:
Relieves muscular tension, especially in the lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck
Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints
Enhances body awareness for better posture and less discomfort
Assists with body mechanics and movement during structural change Supports birth process by relaxing muscles involved in labor and birth Eases anxiety and stress during time of transition
Provides emotional support and nurturance
Prenatal Massage Therapy Contraindications – Performing massage therapy 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 change in position Visual disturbances
Severe nausea and/or vomiting (cannot keep anything down) Severe headaches
Excessive hunger and thirst
Increased urination in the second trimester
Fever
Diarrhea
Excessive swelling in arms or legs
Decrease in fetal movement over a 24-hour period
Additional conditions – 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.
Prenatal High-Risk Pregnancies
It is a strict policy of Beyond Exercise to require a doctor’s release form in order to receive massage therapy during a High-Risk Pregnancy, which includes, but is not limited to:
Early labor, miscarriage threat, placental or cervical dysfunction Gestational Edema Proteinuria Hypertension (GEPH) Preeclampsia
Gestational Diabetes
Pre-existing cardiac, renal, connective tissue or liver disorders/diseases Fetal genetic disorders
Complications in previous pregnancies
Three or more miscarriages