Hot Stone Massage Therapy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can give a woman many aches and pains throughout the body, especially in her lower back and legs. Carrying extra weight, in addition to any internal issues---such as the position of the baby and if she is pushing against a nerve---can leave you feeling sore and tired after some of the most minute tasks. Pregnancy massages, in particular hot stone massages, are very common to help relieve some of these pains but must be done by a professional to ensure the safety of you and your baby. Hot stone massages use heated stones to warm and relax muscle and nerve points in the body, providing great relief.

Identification

• A hot stone massage uses smooth, flat stones, usually made of basalt or river rock, heated to a certain temperature and then placed on certain points of the body to help relax the muscles. The stones are usually about the size of the palm of your hand and are about 1 to 2 inches thick. The stones usually are heated inside an electronic water unit in the massage therapy room until they reach a certain temperature range---typically between 120 and 180 degrees, depending on your comfort level. The massage therapist may use the stones to simply warm and relax a certain area of the body, or she may even use the stones to conduct the massage. In addition, women who are pregnant can benefit from hot stone massages since it utilizes the heat from the stones to relax muscles and nerves in the body. However, during pregnancy, you should only see a massage therapist who specializes in treating pregnant clients.

Features

• Hot stone massages have the ability to not only relieve muscles and nerves in the body but also relax the mind during and after a massage. The hot stone massage will increase circulation throughout the entire body, and in addition teaches and trains a pregnant woman how to relax in preparation for childbearing. Hot stone massages on pregnant women also can help alleviate stress and tension in the mother, which ultimately does have an effect on the baby.

Effects

• The direct heat from the hot stones relaxes the muscles, which allows the massage therapist to work better and provide a greater intensity massage than without the stones. Heat applied to an area of the body will help expand blood vessels, which pushes blood and waste through the nervous system throughout the body. This type of massage helps relax the body and mind, and relieve stressed muscles and nerves.

  Hot stone massages can greatly benefit pregnant women who have problems with circulation in their legs, and back and nerve problems due to the additional weight.

Warnings

• Any massages during pregnancy should be done by a massage therapist who specializes in pregnant clients. While this may not be his exclusive clientele, he must be proficient in the needs and warnings of massages on pregnant women. Certain pressure points in the body may be dangerous for a pregnant woman. For instance, some points on the lower back and lower abdomen, as well as some pressure points (used in acupressure therapy) actually can trigger labor. Knowing where these points are is essential for the massage therapist. Hot stones placed on these same locations can have the same effects. Hot stones can be more dangerous, however, if placed on the lower abdomen, since this will help relax the muscles in that area, which may trigger labor contractions.

  Before attending any massage therapy session, the salon may require that you have a doctor's note. Many salons may not take you as a client if you are in your first trimester or if you are very late in your pregnancy (34 weeks and beyond). Check with the salon on their requirements before showing up for your appointment.

What to Expect

• Hot stone massages can last between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the salon and the massage therapist's routine of service. Typically, the hot stone massage will start out with her simply placing the stones in certain points on the body, which can be tricky in pregnant women. Many massage therapists will have a pregnant woman lie on her side; the doughnut-hole tables with a cutout for the pregnant woman's belly are not ideal and actually can be quite painful for her. The stones will be placed in a line all the way down your side, stretching from your neck to your ankle. The therapist may use three to eight stones, depending on your condition. She also will wedge stones between your body and the table on your shoulders, lower back and thighs. You will lie in this position for approximately 10 to 15 minutes while the therapist begins to massage and work other areas of the body. The total time she will spend on one side usually takes between 25 and 40 minutes. These steps will then be repeated when she has you roll over to your other side.

  The total price for a hot stone massage will range based on each salon, but they typically run between $80 and $150 as of September 2009. Some higher-end salons may charge more, but they also may include additional services with your massage, such as using special oils or creams.