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The University of Miami School of Medicine conducted a study that demonstrated prenatal massage techniques can help pregnant people sleep better. Massages during pregnancy can also improve anxiety, help release tension, decrease pain in legs and hips and manage stress hormones. Keeping the parent and baby safe should be the first priority of any prenatal massage. Use prenatal massage techniques by working with the proper equipment, utilizing light pressure and paying attention to the changes that a pregnant person's body is undergoing.

  1. The highest risk of miscarriage is during weeks 1 to 12 of a pregnancy, so most massage therapists avoid massaging anyone in their first trimester.
  2. There are specialty tables available with a uterus-sized cutout to allow you to lay on your stomach, but those tables can still apply dangerous pressure to the abdomen and pull on uterine ligaments.
    • Use pillows to prop yourself on your side. Specialty pillows for prenatal massages are called bolsters.
    • Have a massage sitting in a chair if it is more comfortable for you to sit. You do not need to be laying down to enjoy prenatal massage techniques.
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  3. There are practitioners who are certified in this type of massage. Special training is offered on techniques that are safe and beneficial during pregnancy.
    • Ask your massage therapist about certification or training in prenatal techniques. Each state has different standards and there is no national certification or program.
  4. Prenatal massage should never include pressure on the areas that stimulate the uterus and the pelvis. Massaging the ankles and wrists is a technique often used to induce labor naturally.
  5. Prenatal techniques will involve less pressure than a Swedish massage or a deep tissue massage or any type of massage you might get when you are not pregnant.
  6. The amount of blood a pregnant body produces is much higher, and the level of anticoagulants in the blood is also increased while the body prepares for labor and delivery.
    • Avoid the calves and inner thighs. When you are pregnant, your risk of blood clots increases and strong massaging of your lower legs and inner thighs could dislodge a clot.
    • Make sure all leg strokes move towards the heart. This prenatal technique will keep your circulation healthy and your risks low.
  7. Most massage therapists will not touch the belly at all. If you do want your massage to include your stomach, the technique should be nothing more than light fingertips on the skin with no pressure.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can acupressure help women to induce labor?
    Susannah Kerwin, ANP-BC, HNP
    Nurse Practitioner
    Susannah Kerwin is a board certified Adult Nurse Practitioner in New York, New York. With over 10 years of experience, Susannah specializes in adult primary care, holistic medicine, and women’s healthcare. Susannah holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco. She obtained her MSN from New York University’s (NYU) unique dual degree program combining integrative and allopathic disciplines. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Susannah worked for more than ten years as a Registered Nurse in psychiatric and surgical settings. Susannah also serves as an adjunct faculty member for NYU.
    Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    I definitely support acupuncture to induce labor. There are many acupuncturists who treat women and will actually even come to their homes to perform acupuncture to stimulate labor.
  • Question
    Can this also be used post-partum?
    Evonna Christmon Marshall
    Certified Birth Doula
    Evonna Christmon Marshall is a Certified Birth Doula based in Atlanta, Georgia, and the founder of Earthside with Evonna Birth Services. Her practice centers Black and Indigenous families and draws on ancestral birth traditions. In addition to being certified by DONA International, Evonna has trained in indigenous healing practices, including sobada, a form of bodywork that she studied under Mayan midwives in Merida, Mexico. This technique involves body alignment, energy work, and the use of Mayan and Caribbean herbal remedies. Evonna also founded The Motherhood Moon Circle, a healing space for Black mothers and pregnant women. The circle includes a cleansing ceremony, sensual movement, sound bowl meditation, plant-based meals, and group energy sessions. It is a space for deep connection, healing, and shared experiences, allowing women to come together and support each other in their journeys through motherhood. In addition to her doula practice, Evonna started the Motherhood Healing Collective, a group of doulas, childbirth educators, a therapist, and other professionals who provide birth and postpartum care to marginalized families. The collective focuses on addressing healthcare disparities and offering culturally relevant care to under-resourced communities. Evonna is also a member of DONA International's Black Mother and Baby Subcommittee and volunteers as a doula for immigrant mothers through Friends of Refugees.
    Certified Birth Doula
    Expert Answer
    Yes! You can also do the Mayan Sobada, which is a therapeutic abdominal massage that can be beneficial for postpartum recovery. It's an ancient healing practice with roots in the Mayan culture that is designed to release tension, promote energy flow, and support uterine health. This massage can help new moms feel more balanced and centered after giving birth. 
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      Tips

      • Talk to your prenatal caregiver prior to having a massage. Your doctor or midwife might have recommendations on how to benefit from a prenatal massage, and could also offer a referral.
      • Ask your spouse or partner for a gentle neck or back massage while you are pregnant. Not only will this help you to feel more relaxed, it will also maintain some intimacy that might be missing in your relationship during pregnancy.
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      Warnings

      • Discuss risks with your doctor. If you are a high risk pregnancy, you have preeclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension, you may not be a candidate for massage, even when prenatal techniques are used.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Massage table
      • Bolster
      • Chair

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about prenatal care, check out our in-depth interview with Evonna Christmon Marshall .

      About This Article

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Princess T.

        Sep 26

        "This pregnancy massage is very relaxing for me and helpful for someone like my partner, who has no idea how to give ..." more
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