Prenatal Massage
Pregnant-Woman-Prenatal–Massage-000024189320_SmallPrenatal Massage: Massage during pregnancy is quite safe, but ask your doctor before beginning any kind of massage program. We perform prenatal massages during the second and third trimester only, and we do not massage if your pregnancy is high-risk or complicated. Please inform us when you make your appointment if you are pregnant, so we may make the necessary preparations.
What Are The Benefits Of Prenatal Massage?
Pregnancy can have significant impact on your body as it alters to accommodate the new life within you. Finding ways to manage extra stress during this time is essential for your health and that of your partner and your baby.
- Prenatal massage can increase the flow of oxygen and blood to your tissues, accelerating the flow of nutrients to both you and your child.
- Relieve backaches and other pains often experienced during pregnancy,
- Decrease swelling,
- Stimulate the relaxation response within your nervous system,
- Lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol,
- Relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety,
- Help eliminate waste and toxins stored in your muscles,
- Enhance the immune system.
What Happens During A Typical Prenatal Massage Therapy Session?
A typical prenatal massage therapy session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. Your therapist will begin with a brief consultation and review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. The therapist will discuss with you the focus and scope of the session and both of you will agree on what will be addressed during the massage. You set your own limits and communicate them clearly to the therapist.
Will Prenatal Massage Therapy Make You Feel Sore?
Prenatal massage therapy shouldn’t hurt. You may experience mild aching when the massage therapist applies pressure over “knots” and other areas of muscle tension. A good therapist will check in with you on the amount of pressure you desire. If the pressure is too strong for you, let the massage therapist know immediately.
Precautions
Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage. Based on your pre-session interview, the massage therapist may conclude that it would be prudent to refer you to a physician and reschedule your session. Massage therapists are neither trained nor legally permitted to diagnose. However, they are trained to be observant and to be aware of signs that may contraindicate massage. In keeping with the massage therapist’s code of ethics, it is always better to err on the side of caution for your well being. It is strongly recommended that you follow your therapist’s advice if you are referred for consultation. You should not be charged for the session.