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Prenatal Massage FAQs
Overview
Certified Prenatal, RMTs, LMTs, or Massage Therapists
All Certified Prenatal, Massage Therapists have advanced education and techniques in conception, prenatal, prelabour, labour, and postpartum massage. Massage is one of the safest modalities for pregnancy. With no physiological complications or fertility issues, massage can influence and encourage conception. Stress is detrimental to the fertilization process (in both male and female); massage is an effective treatment to decrease stress. Massage can help maintain a healthier pregnancy; relieve neck, back, leg, and round ligament pain; lowers the rate of premature labour; may reduce labour and delivery times; and helps facilitate a natural childbirth.
Many Certified Prenatal, Massage Therapists have specialized cushions that allow mamas to lie face down from early pregnancy to full term. There are a variety of custom cushions designed to be safe for baby and mother to lay face down, sideline, and on their back. Your Certified Prenatal, RMT is educated and knows the safest positions while using the proper equipment; these RMTs care for the health of you and your baby! Massage Therapy has gained extreme popularity due to the plethora of benefits, not only for expectant mothers, but also for everyone who receives it. Medical doctors, OBGYNs, Midwives, Physiotherapist, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists (to name a few) are all referring the public to massage therapy.
Experience the comfort, care, and attention that RMTs provide to their patients. Many health plans include coverage for massage therapy; and some RMTs even direct bill! Be sure that you are always seeking the treatment of a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). These are professionals that have the education, training and experience to give you the highest standard of care. When seeking prenatal care, look for a Certified Prenatal, Registered Massage Therapist (CP, RMT). All RMTs will have introductory education on pregnancy, but a CP, RMT will have advanced education on physiology, anatomy (of mama & baby), prenatal exercises, advance techniques, and be confident and aware of prenatal care. The majority of CP, RMT will have a specialized prenatal cushion for their patients.
Prenatal Massage FAQs
Is It Safe to Receive a Massage In the First Trimester?
Is It Safe to Receive a Massage In the Last Trimester?
What is the Difference Between a RMT and a Certified Prenatal, RMT?
What is the Difference Between a “Regular Massage” and a “Prenatal Massage?”
What Are Some Things That Massage Can Influence?
Massage can also influence and potentially induce labour, please see FAQ "Can Massage Induce Labour?" Massage Therapist are not primary prenatal care practitioners and are not alternatives to Midwives, OBGYN or GPs or there recommendations.
When Is It NOT Safe to Receive a Massage During Pregnancy?
An expectant mother should not seek the help of massage if she is experiencing heavy or moderate bleeding, extreme cramping, toxoplasmosis, preeclampsia, sudden vision change, fainting or dizzy spells, pitting edema (swelling that does not rebound) – SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION if any of these symptoms occur.
If you have any doubts, discuss with your primary prenatal care practitioner to clear any conditions and receive referral notes. RMTs are more than willing to work with your doctor, midwife, OBGYN, or any other health care practitioner.
Can Massage Cause Miscarriages?
In the unfortunate event that a miscarriage does occur, your Massage Therapist is there to help provide you with the support you need. Grieving is part of the healing process and attending regular massages can help a couple cope with the tragedy of a miscarriage
Are There Registered Massage Therapists That Provide Massage or Treatment During Labour? What Can I Expect From a Certified Prenatal, RMT During Labour Support?
Massage during labour can be highly effective for pain management with a drug- free birth; it can also help progress the stages of labour. Prior to labour, the attending RMT will meet with you and your partner to educate and show safe techniques that the partner(s) can use to actively participate in the labour process.
During labour, the attending Certified Prenatal, RMT will use a variety of techniques on the hips, sacrum, glutes, arms, hands, legs, feet, head, and abdomen of the labouring mother. Some of these techniques will be counter pressure, specific points, Swedish massage techniques (including relaxation), hot and cold therapies, and relaxation exercise. The RMT is also there to help an ever-evolving labouring mother as she tries to find a comfortable position to labour in. It is a unique situation that really doesn’t have a protocol, as each pregnancy, labour, woman, and baby is different.
RNs on labour and delivery in Saskatoon have stated that the mothers with attending RMTs tend to have shorter, easier labours – they all say “If a woman wants a drug- free labour, having a Registered Massage Therapist is the way to go!”
Where Can I Find a Certified Prenatal, RMT?
Can Massage Induce Labour?
Massage can influence and potentially induce labour. Regular massage care can sometimes reduce the need for membrane scraping or stripping (may also be used in conjunction for overdue mothers). Certified Prenatal, RMTs know when it is appropriate to use induction techniques. As with all modalities for birth and labour, there is never a guarantee, but studies have shown that massage can help influence the onset of labour, progression of labour, and decrease the duration of labour encouraging a higher number of natural births. Massage Therapist are not primary prenatal care practitioners and are not alternatives to Midwives, OBGYN or GPs.