BUDDHAS PALM THRAPY SRVICES (PREGNANCY MASSAGE) |1

HANDOUT

PRENATAL MASSAGE

Compiled by: Fitzgerald M. Pacheco PT, LMT, CM

PREGNANCY MASSAGE

WHAT IS PREGNANCY MASSAGE?

A set of techniques and standards that have been established to be used when performing massage
therapy on a pregnant woman to support the physiologic, structural, and emotional well-being of the
expectant mother while protecting the unborn child

A BRIEF HISTORY

• Ayurvedic texts have entries about rubbing pregnant women with oils

• Eskimo sculptures depict pregnant women having their backs rubbed

• Doulas having been supporting women during labor since the days of ancient Greece

• In 1979 Carole Osborne-Sheets began research which led to comprehensive training programs
throughout North America

PRENATAL MASSAGE AFFECTS A WOMAN ON ALL LEVELS

Prenatal massage affects a woman physiologically, structurally and emotionally.

 Physiologically it affects things such as hormone, gastrointestinal, urinary and circulatory

 Structurally it reduces strains placed on the musculoskeletal system.

 Emotionally it gives a woman a feeling of support and reduces stress levels.

SOME OF THE BENEFITS

• Improves circulation

• Alleviates pain in the back, neck and joints

• Reduces swelling

• Increases flexibility

• Eases gastrointestinal issues

• Reduces stress levels

• May decrease labor time and pain

CIRCULATION

• Helps prevent spider and varicose veins

• Increases blood flow to the uterus

• Reduction of blood pressure

• Increased blood and lymph circulation

• Reduction of edema and the swelling caused by it.

PAIN RELIEF

• Reduces muscle cramps

• Alleviates soft tissue pain

• Relieves musculoskeletal pain caused by increased weight

• The decline of pain also helps to diminishes fatigue and depression levels
 BUDDHAS PALM THRAPY SRVICES (PREGNANCY MASSAGE) |4

GASTROINTESTINAL AND DIGESTIVE

• Improves gastrointestinal functioning

• Stimulates production of food absorption hormones to counter nutritional problems by women

• Acupressure points on the wrist help decrease nausea and morning sickness

HIGH RISK FACTORS

• Multiple baby pregnancy

• Previous miscarriages

• Diabetes

• Renal, cardiac, liver or connective tissue disorders

• Exposure to drugs or hazardous materials

• Mothers under 20 or over 35

1ST TRIMESTER
• Most common time for miscarriages

• Avoid deep tissue work in the abdominal and lower back regions

• Tender breasts may cause discomfort when laying on the stomach

• Around the ankle there are 2 acupressure points that can stimulate the uterus, as well as one on
the upper back, one on the hand and on the feet.

• Avoid these to prevent causing a miscarriage.

2ND TRIMESTER
• In the second trimester, the belly becomes more apparent with the growth of the baby.

• The highest risk of miscarriage has passed and women who previously experienced
miscarriage in the first trimester, now breathe a sigh of relief. Avoid prone

• Positioning if the client becomes uncomfortable.

• After 22 weeks, use it only for short duration for specific techniques and only if the
client tolerates it well.

• Begin using side lying positioning after 22 weeks, when the belly is visibly protruding, or
anytime the mother is more comfortable that way.
 BUDDHAS PALM THRAPY SRVICES (PREGNANCY MASSAGE) |7

• In the third trimester, mothers often feel vibrant and enthusiastic initially, but as delivery
becomes imminent, some begin to experience, perhaps for the first time, some common
complaints.

• This is an excellent time to receive massage; many women come for their first massage in this
trimester

• Positioning will only be in the sidelying, semi reclining, or left-tilt positions.

• Supine positioning can be used only for very short durations of 3 to 8 minutes for specific
therapeutic techniques, and only if client is comfortable.

• Focus on creating length and space in the woman’s body

• Short belly rubs in the third trimester can help the client attune with the baby, feel comfortable
with abdominal sensations, and relax when touched on her abdomen,

• a touch which may be useful in alleviating some types of contraction pain during birth.

• Offer labor supportive techniques in the last 1 to 2 weeks of pregnancy

POINTS FOR BREECH OR SUHI

• The most common points to support contractions and birth, and to decrease pain, are

• Large Intestine 4, Gall Bladder 21,

• Spleen 6, Bladder 60, and the Bladder 31 and 32 in the sacral foramen
B U D D H A S P A L M T H R A P Y S R V I C E S ( P R E G N A N C Y M A S S A G E ) | 10

• Large Intestine 4, Gall Bladder 21 (shoulder points),

• Spleen 6, Bladder 60, and the Bladder 31 and 32 in the sacral foramen