Prenatal massage is all about stress relief and relaxation; nevertheless, that does not mean one should just go for it without any planning. What to wear to prenatal massage?
The clothing issue is surprisingly our readers’ biggest concern, stressing paranoid moms to no end. Ah yes,
they are women – and no woman goes easy on clothes, even during pregnancy periods.
But no worries; you still have us. Let’s dive in to see our list of outfit suggestions!
What To Wear To Prenatal Massage?
What to wear to a prenatal massage?
Lightweight and comfortable are our priorities; loose outfits, undergarments, pajamas, or even nothing will be great. Steer clear of heavy, uncomfortable attires!
Loose-Fitting Outfits
Our all-time favorite option! Better yet, there’s no strict rule regarding this item choice.
As long as they are loose enough to provide your belly and chest sections with elbow room, anything is fine, really.
So why are we against tight outfits that much?
Imagine squeezing your body – plus the baby bump – in those suffocating fabrics during an extremely long massage session (and lying down the entire time, too, for goodness’ sake!).
The lack of movement and skin breathability will drive anyone crazy.
Undergarments
Heads-up: Skip this if you experience pain under the bra line during pregnancy.
Lightweight attire is also strongly encouraged for maximum comfort – and which outfit can be lighter than underwear and bras?
All those hassles of removing heavy clothing items one by one will no longer plague you.
Furthermore, great skin exposure allows expectant moms to enjoy every deep-massage technique to the fullest, delivering a thorough, all-around relaxation worth all the money!
Some small notes about bras, though: certain massage centers would ask you to remove them to prevent irritation and discomfort.
Confirm this issue with the staff before you go; otherwise, you will only waste time picking a suitable bra at home.
Whatever You Wear While Sleeping
Do you usually set aside comfy clothes and pajamas worn exclusively for night rest or nap?
Do you wake up feeling more refreshed and energized than ever in them? Then congrats; you have found the best outfit!
Items that lend you optimal body ease during regular sleep will likely do the same for prenatal massage sessions.
They give you the sense of a comfortable home bed – while still sustaining consistent joint movements and blood flow. Long hours would feel like minutes!
Spend one or two days before the due date picking out what you like.
Check whether they have been properly washed; or else, a smelly pajama would only compromise all the potential benefits.
Go 100% Nude
Do you undress for prenatal massage? Totally yes, especially if the undergarments and bra straps still bother you. Go au naturel – and we mean that literally!
That might sound crazy, but think more about it: 100% skin exposure guarantees every inch of your body is catered to.
With no fabric or straps in the way, each kneading/rubbing goes straight to the muscles and deep tissues completely unfiltered, benefiting both you and the baby.
If the fear of being seen nude discourages you from such ideas, no worries.
Respect for customers’ privacy is the top criterion of a trustable service; the staff will politely go to another room when you disrobe to get under the sheet.
And once the session ends, they will leave again and let you put everything back on.
Other Than Clothes, What Are The Dos and Don’ts To Keep In Mind?
We are done with the clothing issue, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Successful prenatal care routines require one to bear in mind all the dos and don’ts as follows.
The Dos
a. Choose a well-trained, experienced therapist for your regular massages. Do not just go with an amateur aunty.
b. Use gentle grape seed/ safflower/ olive/ coconut/ mustard oil/ moisturizer in your massage.
c. Certain people have severe allergies to some massage oils. Do a quick patch test (applying these oils on your hand or wrist) before going.
d. Side-lying poses are the coziest, especially for 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
e. Ask the staff or therapist to discontinue if you feel sick, light-headed, or simply unsatisfied with the massage therapy. There’s no need to force yourself to keep going.
f. The fact that your therapist is an expert doesn’t mean you must leave it all to them.
Guide them on where to apply pressure and how (a lot of force or only gentle massages?). Experiment with different options until you feel completely relaxed.
g. Do you suffer from too-high blood pressure, vomiting bouts, or diabetes? Ask for the doctor’s opinions before signing up for a full-body massage.
h. Numerous massage techniques have been circulated, but deep tissue or Swedish massage during pregnancy is by far the best.
They are mild and relaxing, aiming to relieve back aches/ joint pains and build stronger blood vessels.
i. You may tell your husband to give you some massages at home. Nothing like expert services at massage centers, though; only gentle strokes on the legs, arms, back, and belly.
These repeated motions will grant you two some great bonding time with the unborn baby.
j. Spend some minutes before bath to practice slow breathing and self-massage. It will help foster a better connection between you and your baby.
k. Pay attention to signals of varicose veins or blood clots. Stop the massage immediately if they show up.
l. Pregnancy massages should last 1 hour – but again, no strict rules apply here. You can shorten the session based on your comfort and boundaries.
The Don’t
What can you not do during a prenatal massage therapy?
a. Never take prenatal massages in your first pregnancy trimester. Miscarriage risks may increase ten folds!
b. Those with already-high miscarriage risks should not make things worse by going for prenatal massages. Watch for signs like vaginal bleeding after the session.
c. Never use sage, thyme, peppermint, oregano, or rosemary oil. Studies have cited them as major causes of uterine contractions.
d. Do not apply too much force on pressure points within your ankles and wrists. Contrary to popular belief, massaging them too much may stimulate the contracted uterus.
e. Stay away from massage tables with cut holes that accommodate your pregnant belly.
Such designs might seem great at first, but your abdomen actually hangs unsupported throughout the entire process. Stretches of uterine ligaments will be inevitable.
f. Avoid these massages if your body has eczema, skin infection, open wounds, or skin injuries.
FAQs
What If The Clothes Make Me Uncomfortable Mid-Massage?
Speak up! If you just grit your teeth and endure it, there goes the entire point of the massage.
The therapist will stop and give you time to remove unnecessary/uncomfortable garments.
How Many Prenatal Massages Should A Pregnant Woman Get?
- Early pregnancy/ The first 27 weeks of pregnancy: once a month
- Week 27 to week 36: twice a month
- Week 36 till labor outcomes: once a week
As you enter later stages, the more regular these massages are, the better your health condition will improve.
With sufficient agility and energy, you can enjoy a healthy pregnancy in the remaining months without any difficulties.
How Do You Sit for A Prenatal Massage?
Though we prefer lying on the side, you can still sit up if that makes you feel more pleasant: either semi-reclining or upright poses are fine.
How Much Do You Tip for Prenatal Massage?
15% to 20% of your total cost – but only if you feel extremely satisfied with the massage therapist. Tipping should not be treated as something compulsory.
Conclusion
What to wear to prenatal massage? Easy; anything that makes you feel good, even if it means wearing nothing.
Note down other dos and don’ts to know what to expect at a prenatal massage, and feel free to reach us if you need more advice.