6 popular myths associated with prenatal massage debunked

Pregnancy opens the floodgates to several emotions that occur one after the other, or to the expecting mom’s dismay, they occur simultaneously. To prepare themselves for a comfortable gestational period, expecting parents read several parenting books that advice them about the “do’s and don’ts” during pregnancy, and they even consult with the elders in their family to make sure that they do everything right.

One of the most debated factors of pregnancy care is whether or not to opt for prenatal massages. The entire population is divided on this subject as some feel that prenatal massage benefits the mother and the baby immensely, whereas, others consider prenatal massage dangerous. However, various studies have revealed that prenatal massages are quite effective in reducing several painful instances during pregnancy.

If you are still skeptical about the benefits of prenatal massages, read on to put your doubts to rest as several popular myths related to prenatal massage are about to be debunked.

Myth 1 – Prenatal massages cause miscarriages
One of the most popular myths related to prenatal massage is that it causes a miscarriage. Miscarriages occur due to several reasons like chromosomal defects, maternal age, excessive use of drug or alcohol, or when the fertilized egg isn’t implanted properly. These are serious conditions that lead to miscarriage. Believing that something as relaxing as a prenatal massage can lead to miscarriage is baseless and has no medical evidence to support it either.

Myth 2 – Prenatal massage can hurt pregnant women

This myth is based on another well-harbored myth that pregnant women are incredibly fragile and even the slightest touch can inflict harm on them. In reality, pregnancy doesn’t make women weak or fragile, though pregnant women have to stay away from physically and mentally strenuous situations. Instead of dismissing the idea of a prenatal massage, hiring a trained massage therapist will do wonders to relieve the pain caused during pregnancy.

Myth 3 – Prenatal massage is contraindicated in the first trimester
People believe that prenatal massage does more harm than good for women who are in their first trimester. This myth is associated with the belief that almost 80 percent of miscarriages occur in the first trimester, and prenatal massage simply increases the chances of having a miscarriage. This myth is completely baseless as there are instances when massage therapists have massaged clients in their first trimester who weren’t aware of their pregnancy, and they incurred no harm.

Myth 4 – Massaging over the lumbar region is dangerous
Another widely-accepted myth is that one shouldn’t massage the lumbar region during pregnancy. According to this myth, massaging the lumbar region can lead to a miscarriage. Food for thought—if pregnant women can massage their lower back when they experience pain, how can an experienced massage therapist harm the mother and the baby by performing similar massages?

Myth 5 – Massaging the ankles and feet causes serious problems
Pregnant women experience joint pain and edema wherein their ankles and feet develop a swelling. This can make it extremely difficult for them to walk and can be quite painful as well. If you believe this myth of not massaging the ankles and feet as they might cause a miscarriage or premature delivery, then you will have to go through your pregnancy with swollen feet and painful ankles. Prenatal massage is known to relieve pain caused due to edema and the increasing baby bump. In fact, prenatal massage can soothe the irate nerves and thereby give you some relief from the nagging pain.

Myth 6 – Do not massage over the abdomen
Another far-fetched myth associated with prenatal massage is that the massage therapist shouldn’t massage the pregnant woman’s abdomen. People are of the opinion that massaging the abdomen can cause unease to the baby or can harm the baby. However, pregnant women themselves rub their abdomen to soothe themselves, and the baby might even kick when they do so! A nice abdomen rub is quite relieving and pregnant women are in no danger if they opt for such massage.

There are instances when the doctor might suggest pregnant women not to opt for prenatal massages if it’s a high-risk pregnancy. So, ensure that you consult with your doctor before starting prenatal massage therapy.