During pregnancy, women undergo basic structural, physiological, psychological, spiritual and social changes. Massage is important for expectant mothers. Nevertheless, the massage is usually given to those women who have a risk of pregnancy disruption. Some masseurs require written permission for a massage during pregnancy.
Prevention or contraindication?
Women who have certain complications during pregnancy should avoid massage procedures. This applies to those pregnant women who are at risk of aborting or have been diagnosed with eclampsia, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Contraindications to massage during pregnancy include indicators of chronic hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation, impaired fetal movements, the risk of genetic fetal diseases, multiple pregnancy, complications of a previous pregnancy. Women who are on bed should also not receive a massage.
All existing placental dysfunctions, such as a small placenta or an improper fetal position, have contraindications for the massage. The pressure or stimulation caused by the massage can lead to an exacerbation of the disease, including a child's loss or premature birth.
It is not recommended to massage the lower limbs. During pregnancy, clots of blood on the legs can be formed and therefore deep pressure or friction on the legs should be avoided. During pregnancy, pressure on the veins in the pelvic area can affect the formation of varicose veins.
Any deep massage around the field of varicose veins can contribute to the formation of a blood clot, so the massage is contraindicated.
In addition, it must be remembered that massage lines lead to the heart, and hormonal changes during pregnancy weaken the work of the heart valves.
Never massage directly over infected areas of the skin, for example, where there are warts, herpes, or boils, or where there is inflammation, bruises or cuts.
The causes of acute back pain should first be diagnosed by a doctor before getting a massage. Consult a qualified technician in case of fever, infection or an infectious disease.
If a woman who is preparing to become a mother has any doubts about carrying out a massage, then she needs to go to a medical institution for professional advice.
Abdominal massage
Since 80 percent of miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, abdominal massage should be avoided completely. In addition, doctors advise to minimize the stomach massage in both the second and third trimesters.
Massage can provoke a possible miscarriage, the symptoms of which are bloody discharge, persistent abdominal pain and a sudden flow of water or leakage of amniotic fluid.
Massage of the abdomen, legs and feet should not be prescribed during the first three months of pregnancy.
Heart disease
Women who suffer from heart disease, it is not recommended to perform massage procedures in the third trimester, contributing to increased blood circulation.
This advice applies, in particular in cases of cardiovascular disease and heart disease, especially in cases of thrombosis, phlebitis, and edema.
High blood pressure is also a contraindication for a massage during pregnancy.
In some cases, with low blood pressure, massage procedures cause dizziness and a drop in blood pressure in pregnant women.
Osteoporosis
At a certain stage of osteoporosis, the bones become brittle, sometimes reaching the point that they can easily break down. Before starting a massage during pregnancy, a woman should consult a doctor.
Genitourinary system
Contraindications for massage apply to those pregnant women who have a urinary tract infection - (the symptoms include frequent urination with burning, low back pain, increased thirst, chills and fever).