How many weeks Pregnant Should You Not Get a Massage?
Pregnancy affects a woman’s feelings, beliefs, and body in many ways. As the womb grows in the mother’s body, many find they have back pain, swollen feet and ankles, restricted joints, and feel continuously tired. Some suggestions are given for coping, but pregnant massage has now grown in popularity all throughout Britain, particularly among residents of health-minded places such as Oxford and Abingdon.
Still, how safe is a massage during pregnancy? More crucially, how many weeks pregnant should you avoid having a massage? This blog will address all your questions and provide direction on when and where to have the most effective and safe massage during pregnancy.
This article will provide all you need to make the best decision for you and your baby, whether you're searching for a pregnancy massage in Oxford or the greatest massage in Abingdon.
Understanding Pregnancy Massage: What Makes It Different?
A specialised type of massage treatment designed especially for pregnant moms, pregnancy massage—also called prenatal massage—guarantees the best care and safety for mother and child and combines mild procedures that reduce pregnancy-related discomforts.
Unlike ordinary massages, pregnant massages:
- Avoid deep pressure on uterine contraction triggers.
- Use side-lying positions or specifically made tables with belly cut-outs.
- Pay special attention to lymphatic drainage to help lower limb swelling.
- Stress and anxiety can be avoided by practicing relaxation.
Under professional direction, a pregnancy massage in Oxford or Abingdon can become a vital component of your trimesters' wellness regimen.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage meets a therapeutic need for many women rather than merely being a luxury. The following is what to count on:
Less Back and Joint Aching: As the baby grows, your posture alters and muscles elongate. Treatment includes massages that relieve spinal pressure and pelvic discomfort.
Improved Flow: Foot and leg swelling often happens to women during pregnancy, but massage can boost the flow of blood and lymph, which may help prevent or reduce it.
Better sleep at night: Massage helps to relax your body and lowers cortisol, which helps you to sleep more deeply.
Manage hormones: Scientific studies find that prenatal massage lowers stress hormones and increases dopamine and serotonin in the body, making you feel better generally.
Simpler Job Tasks: Research suggests that prenatal massages every few weeks may shorten childbirth and require less use of medication.
Choosing a prenatal massage in either Oxford or Abingdon means you will reap the known benefits with proper care.
How Many Weeks Pregnant Should You Not Get a Massage?
One of the most common questions from expectant mothers is:
“How many weeks pregnant should you not get a massage?”
Let’s break this down by trimester for clarity:
First Trimester (Weeks 1–12): Proceed With Caution
Massages during the first trimester are avoided by many therapists and clinics, particularly in cases of a past loss. Hormonal changes and organ development are under progress during this most sensitive period of pregnancy. Though most experts avoid massage to err on the side of caution, there is no solid evidence that it causes miscarriage.
Advice: See your obstetrician beforehand to arrange any massages within the first twelve weeks.
The second trimester, Weeks 13–27: Perfect time for a massage
Generally speaking, this is the most pleasant and safest time to get a pregnancy massage. The danger of miscarriage lowers, and frequent bodily discomforts start to show up, so massage becomes even more helpful than it ever has.
Look for local certified prenatal massage providers. The practitioners at Kennington Osteopathic Practice are highly skilled in maternity care, whether your base is Oxford or close by.
Third trimester (weeks 28–40): Still safe, with changes
Massage is still safe in the last weeks as long as the therapist modifies techniques to fit your changing blood pressure, weight, and possible contraction tendency.
Preferred are shorter session times, side-lying postures, and lower-pressure approaches. During this time, avoid abdominal massages unless performed under the direction of a skilled therapist.
Important note: If you're nearing labour or have high-risk conditions (like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes), always get medical clearance before continuing massages.
Who Should Avoid Pregnancy Massage?
Although many women benefit from prenatal massages, there are some contraindications. You should avoid or postpone pregnancy massage if you have:
- High-risk pregnancy or history of miscarriage
- Severe swelling or high blood pressure
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Placenta previa or other placental disorders
- Unexplained abdominal pain or cramping
- Preterm contractions
If you're uncertain about your condition, consult your GP or midwife before seeking out massage services in Abingdon or Oxford.
Choosing the Right Massage Provider in Oxford and Abingdon
Not all massage therapists have learnt about prenatal treatment. Here are the things you should watch out for:
Prenatal Massage Therapists Certified by Associations: Ensure your provider has pregnancy massage experience. This lets them know about trouble areas and how to position you for health.
Clinic Cleanliness and Comfort: Pregnancy clinics should be clear of germs, not too loud and offer beds or cushions suitable for expecting mothers. Having a comfortable place helps you relax completely.
Tailored Services: Look for messages claiming to be Pregnancy Massage Oxford or Massage in Abingdon and that specialise in pregnancy massage.
Expectant Mothers’ Reviews: They’re one of the most useful things to have. They can reveal how organised and successful the therapist is.
This comparison underscores why you should always choose a pregnancy-specific massage during this time.
What to Expect During Your Pregnancy Massage Session?
Should it be your first time, you might be curious about the nature of the encounter. Here is a synopsis rather fast:
Consultation: You will be asked about your trimester, medical background, and any particular issues, including back discomfort or sleeplessness.
Positioning: You will lie on your side or use a specifically made pregnant massage table that lets you securely lie face down.
Techniques Applied: Depending on your comfort level, you might use gentle kneading, Swedish strokes, lymphatic drainage, and light stretching.
Duration: Usually, sessions go sixty to ninety minutes. Later trimesters should see shorter sessions, advised to prevent continuous pressure on blood vessels.
Pregnancy Massage Aftercare: Tips for the Best Results
- Hydrate Well: Flush out the toxins released during the massage.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activity post-session.
- Observe Body Response: If you experience any dizziness, bleeding, or pain post-massage, contact your doctor immediately.
- Schedule Regular Sessions: Especially during the second and third trimesters, regular sessions can offer continuous relief and wellness benefits.
Discover the Best Massage Experience at Osteopathy Oxford
If you’re in Oxford or Abingdon and looking for professional, safe, and deeply relaxing pregnancy massage, we highly recommend booking with Kennington Osteopathic Practice.
Here’s why:
- Certified therapists with extensive experience in prenatal care
- Tailored treatments that evolve with your pregnancy journey
- Modern facilities are equipped with pregnancy-safe massage beds
- Easy location access for residents of both Oxford and Abingdon
From back pain to emotional stress, Osteopathy Oxford ensures a holistic wellness experience that supports both your body and mind during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts: Is Pregnancy Massage Worth It?
Absolutely.
If performed by a skilled professional, a pregnancy massage is an important investment in both your body and emotions. Whether it’s near the middle or close to the end of your pregnancy, make sure to go.
If you want a pregnancy massage in Oxford or are interested in massage in Abingdon, always pick experienced people who ensure you are safe and supported.
Keep in mind that your process to motherhood deserves care, kindness, and relaxation. Having a massage is an excellent way to care for yourself while you get ready to care for the baby.
Spoiler alert: Pregnancy can become less painful and more supportive with the right changes.
You can book a prenatal massage through Kennington Osteopathic Practice.
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Sophie specialises in providing pain relief and self management techniques through the use of hands on therapy and health care expertise.