Some massage techniques are used only for certain populations. Sports massage is tailored to athletes’ needs, and infant massage is for babies. Each of these techniques has specific qualities that make it unique. Prenatal massage and postpartum massage are no different.

Prenatal massage, which is also referred to as pregnancy massage, is a very effective way to relieve pain for pregnant woman when availability to medications is often limited. Pregnancy massage can also be helpful for stress reduction and to assist in the reduction of swelling by increasing blood and lymph circulation. Others say it can give relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, improve the outcome of labor, ease labor pain, enhance pliability of skin and underlying tissues, and provide support for the new mother with the physical and emotional strains of mothering. While there can be many benefits from prenatal massage, there are a few precautions that a certified pregnancy massage therapist should know about.

One thing that is very important for the client to tell the therapist is what, if any, aversions they have to scents or sounds. Many pregnant women have extra sensitivity to these types of environmental factors. They can easily be changed by the massage therapist, so don’t let that stop you from enjoying your massage experience. Another precaution is to make sure your doctor or midwife says you are healthy enough to get a massage. Some preexisting medical conditions can preclude a person from getting a massage, and these conditions need extra special attention when pregnancy is involved.

There are also some precautions that do not necessarily need to be taken. The biggest one of these is refraining from massage during the first trimester. Most massage clinics will refuse to give massages during the first trimester because it is deemed unsafe, for fear of miscarriage. This may just be an old wives tale, because most causes of miscarriages have nothing to do with what the mother did or did not do. On this subject it is always best to take your doctor’s advice on what is the right decision for you, but getting a massage should not, statistically, cause a miscarriage in the first trimester.

Once you are in your second or third trimester you should not be turned away from receiving massage. While massage tables exist that have cutouts for the belly and breasts, some people say that having a pregnant woman lie on her back causes too much pressure on the lower back. One thing that can be agreed on is that having the woman lie on the table in an upright position is best. OneTouch massage tables are designed with this in mind. The adjustable backrest can place the woman in a comfortable position.

Many pregnant women swear by the positive effects of prenatal massage. After pregnancy, postpartum massage can be equally as effective. Postpartum massage is designed to help restore the body to its pre-pregnancy condition. It also addresses the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn. It can speed recovery by bringing relief to sore muscles and by helping the mother to relax more easily. Abdominal massage helps to shrink the uterus and relieve subcutaneous scar tissue. It may be given as early as 24 hours after a vaginal delivery but only with written permission from your doctor or midwife.

It is always best to consult your doctor on what is right for you. If you are looking to get a prenatal or postpartum massage, make sure the therapist you choose is licensed in these specific areas. A therapist’s knowledge of the anatomy of a pregnant woman will serve to increase the safety of the massage and the health of your baby.