Fourrier House enjoys a beaming connection with women during one of the most profound phases of their life. Prenatal massage therapy can be an instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal care and should be given careful consideration.
According to American Pregnancy.org, studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.
These studies also indicate hormone levels such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression) were increased in women who received biweekly massages.
In our practice we have found that a prenatal massage can reduce the edema which can be caused by a heavier uterus pressing down on blood vessels in the lower part of the abdomen and legs. The ever growing uterus applies tension to the muscles of the legs, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. The sciatic nerve is often under stress in late pregnancy. It is the goal of the therapist to help reduce this pressure, thus minimizing the discomfort caused by sciatic nerve pain.
Some things to know before we begin:
Your gestation period–the period of time between conception and labor–is about forty weeks, give or take a few days and in some cases a couple of weeks, and is measured from the first day of your last menstrual period. For women who are pregnant by vitro fertilization or artificial insemination gestation period calculated a little shorter, about thirty-eight weeks. It is common for some pregnancies to go forty-two weeks. Massage care begins in the second trimester, or about in week 13/ the beginning of month four.
You will get the best care and information when you schedule your prenatal massage the day after your appointment with your health care provider. A schedule usually looks something like this:
First trimester – months one through three – you will see your health care provider once a month. Massage is contraindicated in the first trimester.
Second trimester – Month four you will see your doctor once. The day after your doctor’s appointment, we will have a consultation, and begin your prenatal massage schedule.
Month five you will see your doctor once, You will begin your every other week schedule
Month six you will see your doctor once and prenatal massage twice
Third trimester – Month seven you are now seeing your doctor every other week with your prenatal massage following each visit. We also begin the bentonite clay baths every other week as well. *
Month eight you will see your doctor twice and prenatal massage twice followed by a bentonite clay bath.
Month nine. You are visiting your doctor every week now and having a prenatal massage the day following your doctor’s visit as well. You will be invited to continue your clay baths as long as you are able to get in and out of the claw foot tub without assistance. Weekly visits are continued until your baby is born.
* The Bentonite clay baths are optional. For more information read Living Clay By Perry Aldridge.
Should any of the following risk factors describe your current life style situation, Fourrier House would require a consultation with your health care provider along with a prescription/referral prior to proceeding with a prenatal massage schedule:
High risk pregnancy, i.e., heart disease, diabetes, phlebitis, etc.
Women who are 35 years of age or older
Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
Preeclampsia
Previous pre-term labor
Experiencing severe swelling, high blood pressure, or sudden, severe headaches
Recent birth
Investing in the benefits of massage to support your overall prenatal health, emotionally and physically, can improve pregnancy outcome, and maternal health. During a normal, full term pregnancy you can expect to receive 15 to 18 massages prior to the arrival of your new born and about nine bentonite clay baths.
Your investment:
Month Four $400.00
Month Five $500.00
Month Six $600.00
Month Seven $650.00
Month Eight $650.00
Or if you wish to in two payments:
Month Four $1300
Month Seven $1300
It is always wise to consult your primary health care provider before beginning any new therapeutic practice.
