Prenatal Massage Therapy Benefits: There are several observed or identified potential benefits to massage therapy during pregnancy, including:
- Relieves muscular tension, especially in the lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck
- Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints
- Enhances body awareness for better posture and less discomfort
- Assists with body mechanics and movement during structural change
- Supports birth process by relaxing muscles involved in labor and birth
- Eases anxiety and stress during time of transition
- Provides emotional support and nurturance
Prenatal Massage Therapy Contraindications: Performing massage therapy during pregnancy is contraindicated for women experiencing any of the following symptoms/signs:
- Bloody discharge
- Continual abdominal pains
- Sudden gush or leakage of amniotic fluid
- Sudden, rapid weight gain
- Increased blood pressure
- Severe back pain that does not subside with change in position
- Visual disturbances
- Severe nausea and/or vomiting (cannot keep anything down)
- Severe headaches
- Excessive hunger and thirst
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Excessive swelling in arms or legs
- Decrease in fetal movement over a 24-hour period
- Additional conditions – phlebitis, thrombosis, or suspected clotting conditions, any kidney, liver or spleen compromise or infection. Local massage on areas with severe varicose veins and swelling are avoided due to clotting risk.
For our clients’ safety, we require a doctor’s release form in order to receive massage therapy during a high-risk pregnancy, which includes, but is not limited to:
- Early labor, miscarriage threat, placental or cervical dysfunction
- Gestational Edema Proteinuria Hypertension (GEPH)
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational Diabetes
- Pre-existing cardiac, renal, connective tissue or liver disorders/diseases
- Fetal genetic disorders
- Complications in previous pregnancies
- Three or more miscarriages
We also require a doctor’s release form in order to receive massage therapy during the first trimester.
Please read and sign below, to continue with treatment:
I understand that massage therapy is a health aid and does not take the place of a physicians’ care. Any information exchanged during a massage session is confidential and is only used to provide the best massage care. If I am having or develop any complications, I will discuss with my massage therapist.
I hereby voluntarily release B In Touch Massage Therapy and its therapists from any liability should my condition be aggravated at any time. By signing below, I agree that I have read the information above and have decided to receive a prenatal massage at my own risk.
I have received and understood the information on these pages about the benefits and possible contraindications of massage therapy during pregnancy, and confirm that:
- I have not experienced any the complications listed;
- I have not experienced any of the conditions listed, which would make it unwise to have massage therapy;
- I am experiencing a low-risk pregnancy;
- I am receiving medical care including regular check-ups throughout my pregnancy.
- I AM experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or have decided to have a 1st trimester massage, but have given a doctor’s release form to my massage therapist