by Jen Lachambre, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist

Is massage safe during and after your pregnancy? Absolutely!!

Pregnancy Massage is a safe and highly effective tool for pain relief, promoting relaxation and increasing energy levels in all stages of pregnancy. Pregnancy is a period of many changes. A woman’s entire body adapts to a new life growing within. Most of these changes are welcomed and enjoyable, although some may be uncomfortable and not as pleasant.

The tension caused by stress, along with the physical changes of pregnancy, can exhaust your energy levels. Many mothers also continue to work full time right into their final weeks of their last term. Receiving regular massage therapy treatments through out pregnancy can help relieve physical and emotional tension, improve sleep and boost energy levels.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage Therapy:

1. Decrease pain and discomfort by reducing muscle tension and joint stiffness
2. Reduce muscle cramps
3. Improve mood and promote relaxation
4. Improve circulation and reduce excess fluid retention
5. Stimulate the lymph system and boost immunity
6. Decrease stress

I had the privilege of participating in a 3 day, clinical practicum at Sunnybrook Hospital.  This was part of the Trimesters Massage Therapy Education course.   During the course I worked primarily with patients in the High Risk Antenatal Unit.  I was even lucky enough to treat one woman in the Birthing Unit minutes before delivering her child!

In the High Risk Unit many patients had been on bed rest for months and had conditions such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia (pregnancy induced high blood pressure), and placenta previa (placenta partially blocking the cervix). Doctors still recommended massage therapy for these high risk patients because with proper precautions and positioning, massage is safe and extremely beneficial.

What to Expect:

• a health history is completed to determine any precautions during the treatment.
• clinical assessments are performed according to your current symptoms.  These may include a postural analysis and range of motion testing and allows for a focused treatment tailored to your specific needs.
• We will position you on the table for your safety and comfort. As your pregnancy progresses you’ll be positioned in a semi-reclined or side-lying position.  This position is safest for Mom and baby while maintaining comfort.
• Semi-reclined is ideal for treating hips, legs, and feet, the abdomen and the diaphragm (helps with shortness of breath due to decreased chest cavity space). As well as for breast massage (to relieve soreness and congestion).
• The side-lying position is great for treating the back, neck and shoulders, as well as hips, legs and feet. In this position we place pillows under the head, under the knees and under the belly to take stress off the ligaments which support the uterus. One client who was 40 weeks reported feeling like she was comfortably suspended in the air and floating.  She then drifted off to sleep for most of the treatment.

Your health and wellness is important for you and the baby, and is important to us. We would be honoured to provide some relief and relaxation on your exciting journey!

Jen Lachambre, RMT