Prenatal Massage: Benefits, Risks, and What to Expect
Massage therapy is known to relax, rejuvenate, and refresh the mind and body. Prenatal massage does the same, using specially adapted methods. Pregnancy is a time full of shifts and changes in a woman’s body, and not all of them are comfortable. As the baby grows, the body adapts around it, and many women feel varying degrees of discomfort. These can include aches and pains, interrupted sleep, and swelling or water retention (edema).
The pregnancy experience is different from one woman to the next. Even multiple pregnancies for the same woman can vary. One thing many pregnant women share is the relief they feel after a prenatal massage session. Most clients report less back, neck, and hip pain, lower tension and stress, and an overall improvement in mood and mental clarity. Whether you are reading for yourself or on behalf of a pregnant woman in your life, below are the benefits of prenatal massage and what to know before you book.
What is Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage focuses on complete comfort and relaxation for pregnant women. A session typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, allowing you to relax, set aside outside stresses, and be pampered from head to toe. During the second and third trimesters it is often uncomfortable to lie on your back and impossible to lie on your stomach. In prenatal massage, the registered massage therapist will position you on your side and support your limbs and stomach with extra bolsters and pillows so you feel fully supported throughout the appointment.
5 Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Ease Tension
Pregnancy is a time of wondrous change, physically and emotionally. Hormones fluctuate as your body grows and creates life. This growth can create tension in muscles and joints. Prenatal massage uses deeper techniques where appropriate to loosen tight muscles and relieve knots brought on by tension. Therapists target pressure points to help release tension throughout the body. When your session finishes, you will likely notice lower tension both physically and emotionally.
Alleviate Back, Neck, and Hip Pain
Back, neck, and hip pain are common complaints, especially as you move from the second to the third trimester. Therapists can use deeper work on those areas to target pain relief. Every client’s comfort level is different. Techniques are adapted to your experience, with regular check-ins during the session.
Relieve Swelling from Edema
Pregnancy often brings the discomfort of edema, an excess build-up of fluid in the body. Edema is most noticeable in the feet, ankles, legs, arms, and hands. If your extremities feel extra puffy, a prenatal massage can help relieve some of the swelling and discomfort. Severe or persistent edema should be monitored by your physician. If swelling does not improve or worsens, please consult your doctor.
Improve Mobility and Circulation
Massage supports healthy circulation throughout the body. Gentle to moderate pressure helps blood move through tense muscle areas, increasing oxygen delivery to sore regions. With improved circulation and less overall tension, mobility often improves as well.
Reduce Stress
Like other forms of massage, prenatal massage creates a deep sense of relaxation. Pregnancy can be stressful, physically and emotionally. Your appointment is one hour of dedicated you-time. Settle into pillows and bolsters that support the extra weight of pregnancy and let tight, stiff tissues be eased with calming, soothing techniques.
Additional Benefits
Many clients report improved sleep quality after a prenatal massage. With less tension, stress, and fewer aches, falling and staying asleep can be easier. Some women also notice reduced nausea. Regular massage during pregnancy provides opportunities for self-care and quiet time in a supportive space.
What Are the Risks of Prenatal Massage?
Some massage therapists prefer not to treat during the first 12 weeks. If you are accustomed to massage and have no known health risks, prenatal massage is generally considered safe. We recommend consulting your doctor to confirm that pregnancy massage is right for you before booking.
Massage Therapy Post-Pregnancy
Massage therapy is also highly beneficial after pregnancy. For many of the same reasons it helps during pregnancy, postnatal massage can provide relief from muscle pain, physical tension, and emotional stress. Caring for your body and mind in the weeks and months after birth is just as important as before.
Prenatal Massage in St. Albert
If you are pregnant and feeling discomfort, book a prenatal massage session with our skilled therapists. You will leave feeling more relaxed and less stressed. If you have a pregnant person in your life who has reached the 12-week mark, consider booking them an appointment as a thoughtful gift. Questions are always welcome. Contact us and we will be happy to help.
