Critical FAQs About Prenatal Massage
An expectant mother will do anything to ensure her unborn child grows healthy and normally inside the womb. It is the reason nutrition, exercise and adequate rest are critical during pregnancy. Notably, prenatal massage is a procedure that pregnant mothers should add to their routine due to the benefits it holds. For instance, prenatal massage improves mood, lessens discomfort, reduces swelling, enhances hormonal balance and alleviates pregnancy-related lower back pain. Despite the benefits being widely documented, most expectant mothers still have many questions regarding prenatal massage. Here is a closer look at some of the most frequently asked questions chiropractors encounter regarding pregnancy massage.
Does Prenatal Massage Target the Belly?
It is arguably one of the most common questions expectant mothers ask chiropractors when inquiring about prenatal massage. Indeed, chiropractors undergo the same kind of training, but their techniques vary depending on the client. It means that some chiropractors massage the belly using non-harmful techniques for the unborn child's safety. However, even the most experienced chiropractors avoid massaging the abdomen entirely due to associated risk factors. That said, chiropractors often administer massage therapy based on a client's desires and preferences. For instance, if your belly feels uncomfortable, you can communicate the information to a chiropractor. In such cases, they choose a safe technique to help relieve the tension.
What Is a Therapist's Most Important Credential?
Expectant mothers are a unique population who need specialised care. Thus, you must only work with an experienced and licenced chiropractor if you want safe adjustments and manipulation. However, you should understand that a general chiropractor would not attempt to perform adjustments on expectant mothers because they do not have the expertise to work with the specialised group. Therefore, the essential credential you should look for in a potential therapist is accreditation in prenatal massage. The certification means that a chiropractor has the knowledge and equipment to administer safe massage therapy to expectant mothers.
Is Massage Therapy in the Last Trimester Safe?
Most expectant mothers tend to avoid massage therapy during the third trimester, fearing that it can induce premature labour. However, prenatal massage in the third trimester is considered safe as long as an experienced and licenced chiropractor administers the therapy. A chiropractor understands what is going on in your body during the third trimester and will avoid certain spots and positions considered unsafe. For example, professional chiropractors tend to avoid deep tissue massage and laying clients flat on their back due to possible contraindications.