Pregnancy Massage – Your Ultimate Self-Care Move (minus the risks!)
Okay, so you’re pregnant (yay!), and while growing a tiny human is seriously amazing, it’s also… a lot.
From back pain to swollen feet, it can feel like your body is sending out an SOS. Enter pregnancy massage—a game-changer for keeping you comfortable during this wild ride. But before you get the oil out, let’s talk safety.
How to make sure your prenatal massage is as safe as it is soothing:
Best to limit how you massage until after the First Trimester
I know, I know—you want that relief now. But hang tight with the full body massage until you’re past the first 12 weeks. It’s a super sensitive time for your little one’s development, and most clinicians recommend holding off on these type of massages until you hit the second trimester. But of course you can go full tilt on the feet. shins and calves and arm and shoulders – be our guest
No Lying Flat on Your Back, Please
Once you’re past 20 weeks, lying on your back during a massage can mess with your circulation (and make you feel dizzy or just generally ‘meh’). If you are facing upwards make sure you are semi-reclined or sitting up. The safest way? Side-lying positions are really the only clinically advised way, so you can stay comfy without any risks. If you are being massaged by a therapist, avoid those tables with the tummy cutouts as they offer no support for your ligaments etc and we know how important they and our muscles and tendons are going to be in the near future!
Keep It Light and Relaxing
This is not the time for that “hurts-so-good” deep tissue massage. Stick with light, soothing strokes that help you unwind without putting too much pressure on your muscles. Focus on your back, legs, and hips (they need the love!) but it’s best to steer clear of any direct pressure on your bump. Absolutely no deep pressure at home until you have passed the 38 week mark! And if you really have to get a deep tissue massage for any reason please visit a professional pregnancy-specific massage therapist.
Home massage concentrating on arms and hands, the head and neck, back, hips and thighs is highly recommended by our team pregnancy massage therapists who suggest avoiding your bump. Keeping to those areas is the safest way to help reduce swelling, assist deep, peaceful and regenerative sleep, reduce anxiety and depression and simply bonding with your partner and growing baby in preparation for labour and birth.
Avoid Certain Trigger Points
Fun fact: Some spots on your body (like your ankles or lower back) are connected to uterine contractions. Who knew?! Make sure you skip these areas, especially as you get closer to your due date.
Check in on Your Health
Got pregnancy complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes? Maybe skip the massage for now or get the green light from your doctor first. Better safe than sorry, fam.
Pick the Right Oils
Essential oils can be a pregnancy win—but some are a hard pass when you’ve precious cargo on board. All Lullaby Lou products use pregnancy-safe oils as a result of extensive research.
Self-Care Done Right
Pregnancy is the ultimate marathon, and you deserve all the self-care in the world! With a few precautions, a prenatal massage can be exactly what your tired body needs. Just make sure you listen to your body, and keep things chill.
You got this, mumma! Time to treat yourself—safely, of course.