Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but it can also put a lot of stress on your body. If you feel like your neck is tight and causing you headaches, you may wonder if you can get a neck massage. But your baby’s safety and wellbeing have you hesitate. Are pregnant women allowed to get massages?
Here is everything you need to know about neck pain, neck massages, and pregnancy.
Why Your Neck May Hurt During Pregnancy
Unfortunately, neck pain is a common occurrence during pregnancy. This is for a few different reasons, including:
- Increased hormones: Your body produces more hormones like progestin and relaxin when you’re pregnant. These hormones relax your muscles and can even weaken the ones in your neck, which causes the tension you feel.
- Poor posture: As your belly grows, it will put extra strain on your neck and shoulders. Without even knowing it, you’ll begin to hunch over to relieve this pressure. However, this poor posture leads to even more neck and shoulder pain.
- Less movement: The further along you get in your pregnancy, the more likely you are to move less. You may find yourself sitting or sleeping in the same positions for long periods of time. Over time, this can lead to stiffness in your neck.
Can a Neck Massage Alleviate Your Pain?
Many pregnant women are happy to note that massage therapy can help reduce the pain they feel in their neck and shoulders. Massages are designed to loosen muscles and improve blood flow, which releases any tension built up in the muscles. It also increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are two types of hormones that relax your body and relieve stress. You will find that a simple neck massage can do so much for you, such as boost your mood, reduce your anxiety, and enhance your sleep.
So, Is It Truly Safe for Pregnant Women to Get a Massage?
Neck massages are safe for women who are pregnant. In fact, they provide many benefits that make it easier for mothers-to-be to endure their months of pregnancy.
However, while neck massages are not dangerous for expecting mothers, you should ask your doctor about getting a massage before you visit a professional massage therapist. Some techniques may cause contractions or premature labor. Additionally, if you have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure, or have a high risk of miscarriage, it may not be wise to get a massage. Some day spas avoid giving massages to women in their first trimester because increased blood flow can be harmful.
If your doctor says you can get a neck massage, make sure you choose a massage therapist who is prenatal certified. They will be able to care for your needs the best, keeping you and your baby safe.
The Relief Mothers-to-Be Deserve
As a pregnant woman, your body is going through many changes, and you’re experiencing emotions, stress, aches, and pains you’ve never had to deal with before. Thankfully, you can find some relief with a massage.
You can enjoy all the soothing benefits of a massage at SV Massage Therapy. We will ensure you have a safe neck and shoulder massage that will help you be present for every moment of your pregnancy.
For more information about our neck or deep tissue massages in Cherry Hill, NJ, and the surrounding neighborhoods, reach out to our team today! We’ll help relieve any pain you may be experiencing during your pregnancy.