Pregnancy is a challenging moment for every pregnant woman, both physically and mentally. It’s often accompanied by a high level of stress, body pain, discomfort, and depression, among others. However, the good news is, recent research claims that prenatal massage therapy is a perfect way-out to improve labor outcomes, newborn health, and overall pregnancy comfort.
But here’s the catch: not every massage therapist is trained or qualified to handle the unique needs of an expectant mother. Therefore, choosing the right prenatal massage therapist is essential for both your safety and that of the unborn baby.
As you read further, you will discover what qualifies a good prenatal therapist and how to choose the one who meets your expectations.
- What is prenatal massage?
- Benefits of choosing the right prenatal massage therapist
- Key qualities to look for in a prenatal massage therapist
- Questions to ask before booking a session
What is Prenatal Massage?
Unlike other massage therapies, prenatal massage is a kind of therapy that is tailored for pregnant women. It uses different techniques that are safe for pregnancy, with modifications in positioning, pressure, and focus areas to ensure both mother and baby are comfortable and safe.
Depending on your preference, prenatal massage covers different parts of the body, including back massage, foot massage, head and scalp massage, and full body massage if necessary. It’s ideal for stress relief and the overall maternal health and well-being.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Prenatal Massage Therapist
Prenatal massage promises several benefits for expectant mothers, by addressing both physical and mental discomfort that often accompany pregnancy. Some of the notable benefits include:
- Stress Reduction: During pregnancy, both emotional, physical, and mental stress can easily accumulate in the body. Engaging in prenatal massage can help to release endorphins as a stress and anxiety reliever.
- Pain Relief: Prenatal massage is used to relieve several pregnancy pains, including backaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and others.
- Improve Circulation: It also helps to enhance blood circulation, which would produce more oxygen and nutrients to help both the mother and baby stay healthy.
- Improved Sleep: It has been proven that there are several reasons why massage helps you sleep better, and prenatal massage isn’t an exception since it helps to relax your body and mind.
- Reduced Swelling: Prenatal massage can be used to reduce swelling in the feet and ankles through the massage techniques generally known as the lymphatic system to promote better blood circulation.
- Enhance Mood: By promoting the release of serotonin and dopamine, prenatal massage lifts the mood of expectant women.
Key Qualities to Look for in a Prenatal Massage Therapist
Before choosing a prenatal therapist, there are some crucial qualities you’re expected to check to ensure you and your baby’s safety and comfort.
1. Qualification and Certification
Look for a therapist who is certified in prenatal massage, not just general massage. A certified prenatal therapist would have undergone the necessary training and know what to do to prevent any risk during a therapy session.
2. Experience
An experienced therapist will understand the feelings and emotions of their clients even if they can’t effectively communicate their conditions. They know the necessary techniques needed for any conditions and can do their work effortlessly.
3. Safety Awareness
A prenatal massage therapist should be able to prioritize safety by adhering to strict guidelines and ensuring the protection of both the mother and baby. They should be able to modify techniques depending on trimester (for instance, avoiding lying flat on your back in the second and third trimester)
4. Communication
There should be healthy and effective communication between the therapist and the client. Your prenatal therapist must be open-minded and should be able to ask you some detailed questions, like your pregnancy stage, medical history, and any discomfort.
5. Specialization
It’s good if you choose a therapist who specializes in prenatal massage, because they understand the unique needs of their clients and have extensive knowledge of how to solve them.
Questions to Ask Before Booking a Session
- Do you have a prenatal massage certificate?
- How many pregnant clients have you worked with?
- Do you have any client references or testimonials?
- What precautions do you take for pregnant clients?
- How do you handle complications (like swelling or high blood pressure)?
FAQs
1. When can I start getting prenatal massage?
Most experts recommend after the first trimester (around 12 weeks), unless your doctor says otherwise.
2. How often should I get a prenatal massage?
The most common assertion is that prenatal massage should be done once a month throughout the second trimester, and bi-weekly or weekly in the third trimester.
3. What not to do in prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage therapists always avoid deep massage and strong pressure so as not to dislodge a blood clot.
4. What to do before a prenatal massage?
Make sure you wear loose clothes, drink enough water to stay hydrated, eat light food to be comfortable, and find a perfect time to rest after the massage session.
Conclusion
Choosing the right prenatal massage therapist is more than just a wellness decision; it’s an investment in your pregnancy journey. The right therapist can ease your body pain, calm your mind, and provide the support you need to feel better.
If you’re in Dubai and in search of a prenatal massage salon where you can feel comfortable, with a luxurious touch, check out Nooora Beauty Salon now and book your appointment.