gifting and giving massages

In-Room Massage Therapy On Your "Babymoon"

20 November 2017

Greg Jacobs

If you're expecting a new addition to your family and have decided to take one last trip for rest and relaxation before the long nights with a newborn as a "babymoon," consider indulging in a massage as a special way to treat yourself. Some hotels and resorts have staff massage therapists who will come to your room so you don't even need to leave to go to a spa setting. Even if your accommodations don't offer a mobile therapist, the concierge may be able to arrange an outside therapist to come to you.

Most mobile massage therapists have portable massage tables they bring with them, so don't worry if your room isn't set up for therapeutic massage, but make sure to let your therapist know you're expecting so they can tell you or the concierge whether they're experienced in prenatal massage. Some therapists have special pregnancy massage tables that have a portion cut out of the center to accommodate your belly. Others use special pillows and wedges to help you lie on your side comfortably to get a massage.

Massage therapy is an excellent way to relax and reduce stress, and it can be particularly beneficial for pregnant women. Swelling is a common side effect of pregnancy, particularly around the joints. When you get a massage, your therapist will pay extra attention to any swelling you're experiencing and use gentle pressure and manipulation of your joints and soft tissues to help drain the fluid accumulating there that leads to swelling. 

Feeling anxious, depressed and stressed is another common pregnancy issue that massage can help. The body releases more cortisol and norepinephrine when you're stressed, and massage helps reduce the levels of these hormones. As you relax, your levels of serotonin and dopamine will increase, which help you relax and minimize feelings of depression. Having low levels of stress hormones is helpful for your baby as well. Babies born to mothers with lower levels of stress hormones are less likely to have birth complications, such as low birth weight.

Licensed massage therapists are trained in many different techniques to help release tense muscles. Whether you're experiencing general aches and pains or moderate to severe nerve pain as a result of the additional weight and stress on your back and hips, a thorough massage can help loosen the muscles that get stiff and clench around nerves, leading to pain. This is particularly common around the sciatic nerve that runs from your lower back down each of your legs. 

While most pregnant women can get massages safely, it's best to consult with your doctor or midwife before getting a treatment, particularly if you have had any pregnancy complications or if you're at a higher risk of preterm labor or placental abruption.

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