Trimester-Specific Protocols Flashcards

Which trimester-specific adaptation is most important when adjusting table height for a side-lying third-trimester client?

Answer: Raise the table to allow the therapist to work without leaning, reducing therapist injury risk

Proper table height protects the therapist's body mechanics, which is especially important when working around the additional bolsters used for prenatal side-lying positioning.

A second-trimester client asks whether it is safe to receive deep tissue massage on her lower back. What is the most accurate response?

Answer: Moderate to firm pressure on the paraspinal muscles is generally safe; avoid deep sacral ligament work

Paraspinal muscles can tolerate moderate to firm pressure in pregnancy; the main caution is avoiding aggressive work on hypermobile ligamentous structures of the sacrum and pelvis.

What specific first-trimester change makes the breasts a contraindicated area for direct massage pressure?

Answer: Elevated estrogen and progesterone cause breast engorgement, tenderness, and sensitivity

Hormonal changes in the first trimester cause breast tissue to become engorged and highly sensitive, making direct pressure uncomfortable and potentially harmful.

When a prenatal massage client in the second trimester requests prone positioning and says she feels comfortable, the therapist should:

Answer: Use a pregnancy bolster with an abdominal cutout if available, or redirect to side-lying

A purpose-designed pregnancy bolster with an abdominal cutout is the safest prone option; if unavailable, side-lying is the preferred alternative.

Which of the following is a normal physiological change of the third trimester that the massage therapist must account for when scheduling session length?

Answer: Frequent need for position changes and bathroom breaks due to fetal pressure on the bladder

The third-trimester fetus compresses the bladder, so clients need frequent bathroom breaks and comfortable position transitions built into the session schedule.

Which connective tissue structure becomes hypermobile under the influence of relaxin and must be respected when performing pelvic girdle work in the third trimester?

Answer: Pubic symphysis

Relaxin loosens the pubic symphysis ligaments, and aggressive pelvic girdle techniques can worsen symphysis pubis dysfunction in late pregnancy.

A prenatal massage therapist receives a referral note from an OB stating 'massage approved with standard prenatal precautions.' What does this mean in practice?

Answer: The therapist may use light Swedish techniques with appropriate positioning and site avoidance

Standard prenatal precautions include appropriate positioning, avoiding contraindicated sites and pressure points, and using light to moderate pressure as guided by trimester and client condition.