A prenatal massage uses very light pressure, said massage therapist Nicole Cvitkovic on Cleveland Clinic. “It’ll be more like a Swedish massage with very light stroking techniques.” And it is usually performed with the mother lying on her side to minimise the risk of hypotension (low blood pressure) or putting unwanted pressure on the nerves.
A post-partum massage can again be Swedish in nature and is likely to focus on body areas such as the abdomen, breasts and head. In Asia, it is common for the masseuse to use jamu, TCM herbs or ayurvedic herbs during the massage and top it off with a body wrap.
Prenatal massage can be performed at any stage of a pregnancy as long as there are no complications such as placenta previa, said Dr Natalie Chua, an obstetrician and gynaecologist from Parkway East Hospital. Arms and leg massages are suitable for any stage of pregnancy or postnatally.
“Postnatal massage can commence after a normal, uncomplicated vaginal delivery after the patient is discharged,” she said. For caesarean sections, seek clearance from your doctor first. “If there are no complications, massage can typically begin within two to three weeks postnatally.”
According to American Pregnancy, prenatal massages can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains and improve labour outcomes. The post-delivery benefits are said to reduce water retention, improve milk production, regulate hormones and reduce anxiety and depression.
You want to feel energised and improve your range of motion: Thai massage
