HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY: CAUTION OR CONTRAINDICATION FOR MASSAGE

Prenatal massage is undoubtedly a welcome pain reliever for any pregnant woman. Unfortunately, many women with high-risk pregnancies always avoid this bodywork due to misinformation yet they stand to benefit the most from it. There are some major points that need to be looked into when it comes to high-risk pregnancies and especially in differentiating between massage contraindication and caution. Every therapist should understand this difference especially those willing to work with clients carrying high-risk pregnancies. You can also learn more how this kind of message is carried out by visiting nourifbc.com.

Pregnancy massage has the ability to enhance different aspects of emotional and physical health thus making it a very important therapy. One of the things that make this message essential has to do with the major physical, emotional, psychological and physiological changes that take place in a woman during pregnancy. Despite the benefits, women with pregnancies that are considered high-risk are denied the many benefits of available from prenatal massage but this is largely informed by lack of ability to differentiate between cases that need some extra care from those with too big a risk for massage. Let’s look at the two and their differences: –

Definition of high-risk pregnancy

A high-risk pregnancy can be defined based on the prevailing conditions in a woman. Experts are in agreement that there’s no universally accepted or formal definition of such a condition but the following issues could help identify a high-risk pregnancy: –

  • An unusually high likelihood of the mother or baby dying or becoming ill
  • High possibilities of a prenatal or postnatal complication occurring

For a pregnancy to qualify as high-risk, certain characteristics or conditions are detected which include diabetes, multiple pregnancies, Pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, heart condition, liver or lung disease, asthma, kidney problems and cancer among others.

Massage for women with high-risk pregnancy

Prenatal massage helps in multiple ways some of them being that it helps reduce stress and anxiety hormones in the body thus lowering pre-maturity rate, postnatal and obstetric complications. For women with high-risk pregnancy, the bodywork normally involves far-reaching tests, bed rest, medication and numerous prenatal visits. It is, however, worth noting that these women are likely to experience heightened problems due to the intense concern and stress they have for themselves and the fetus.  As such, massage during pregnancy comes in handy as more therapeutic for such women.

Why massage is helpful during pregnancy

The unique benefits of prenatal massage are only possible due to its ability to achieve the following in the body

  • Reduce stress levels, promote relaxation and encourage peaceful sleep. This is important for women with high-risk pregnancy
  • Lowers pain caused by muscle weakness, posture added weight and tension to the back, neck, and joints. This is very important especially for women with multiple fetuses and those who are obese.
  • Enhances circulation of blood and lymph thus minimizing leg cramps, edema and varicose veins which are common during pregnancy but intensified in high-risk pregnancies.
  • Offers physical nurturing and emotional support
  • Alleviates muscle cramps, spasms, and fibrosis which are common during pregnancy but intensified by different risk factors
  • Helps improve breathing which is very important during pregnancy especially for those with lung or asthma problems.

Contraindication or caution?

Death, complications, and illness could occur during high-risk pregnancy. As such, vigilance and extra caution should be taken by any health service provider dealing with a woman with a high-risk pregnancy. Women with high-risk pregnancy should, first of all, get clearance from their healthcare giver and therapists too should offer their services after communication with the doctors attending to such women.

It is good to have a release form signed to offer some sort of safety for both the therapist and client.  Such a form should clearly indicate the limitations or precautions of the massage procedure and give an approval from the prenatal caregiver for the massage practitioner to attend to a high-risk pregnancy.

The best way to carry out a message on women with high-risk pregnancy

The lying position during massage is very important. Pregnant women should lie on their side supported by numerous soft pillows for safety and comfort. Additionally, the therapists should only target specific areas and avoid others to prevent complications such as blood clots in the legs. It is also good to avoid deep friction or pressure especially on the legs and any hand movements done towards the heart. Abdominal massage should also be avoided completely during the first trimester to prevent miscarriages. This should also be avoided in high-risk pregnant women even during their first, second and third trimester.

The key to successful prenatal massage is always communication and this should not only happen between the pregnant woman and her massage practitioner but also involve the woman’s healthcare giver. This will go a long way in protecting the mother and the fetus and also protect the therapist from unnecessary situations. For more on prenatal and regular massage, visit www.nourifbc.com.