Prenatal Massage
What to Expect From Prenatal Massage When You’re Expecting
Pregnancy, such an amazing and exciting time in a woman’s life. Whether it is your first or fifth pregnancy, the feeling of excitement is always there. There are always appointments to go to, things to plan, people to tell, stuff to buy. Even though this is all a very joyous time, it is easy to get overwhelmed and stressed about all of these changes as well. But not to worry, we are here to help with a personal prenatal massage!
When a woman is pregnant it is a change that affects every system in her body. The woman’s body will adapt to these changes as she progresses throughout her pregnancy and after giving birth. The stages of pregnancy are called ‘Trimesters’. The prefix “Tri” meaning three. First trimester is classified as conception to 12 weeks, Second trimester is from week 13 to 24 weeks and Third trimester is from week 25 to week 40. After you have given birth to your baby you enter into your Postpartum period and sometimes otherwise known as the fourth trimester.
As a woman progresses throughout her pregnancy a variety of different changes starts to occur in her body; hormonal changes, growth in the abdomen and breasts, fatigue, leg cramps, insomnia, compression syndromes. This is where prenatal massage by one of our registered massage therapists can really make a difference.
Why do I need to see a massage therapist when I am pregnant?
Women throughout their pregnancies will see a multitude of different health care practitioners that monitor their baby’s growth and development as the mother progresses through her trimesters. This is very important, however this is mainly for monitoring the baby and oftentimes we forget about the person who is carrying the baby for 40 weeks.
There are many lifestyle changes that someone who is pregnant needs to make as they progress through the pregnancy. Some of these changes are easier than others and sometimes these changes are uncomfortable and can cause stress to mom. The most common stressors that are talked about in prenatal massage therapy sessions are: trouble sleeping, changing breasts, anxiety and generalized aches and pain.
Our main goal when you come in for your massage therapy treatment is to create a relaxing and comforting environment where we can focus on your needs so you can enjoy your pregnancy. When you come in for your appointment we will discuss your complaints and work as a team to help solve them. After your session your massage therapist will also go over some tools you can try at home to also help accomplish your goals.
FAQS
I have never been for a pregnancy massage and I am not comfortable with laying on my stomach. Can I still have a massage?
Of course you can! We understand that not everyone is comfortable with lying on their stomach and we don’t ever want you to feel uncomfortable. When coming in for your massage your massage therapist may recommend laying on your side, sitting on a chair or on the side of the massage table or if you are comfortable trying a pregnancy pillow.
If I am pregnant but I would like to come in for a treatment that is not related to my pregnancy is that okay?
Definitely, pregnancy related massage is not always the main concern. Just because you’re pregnant does not necessarily mean that we can’t treat something unrelated. Your massage therapist will still take the necessary procedures to make sure your treatment is safe and comfortable.
I have just given birth and am breastfeeding and sometimes I leak. I am worried that I might ruin the sheets.
This is something as massage therapists we have heard time and time again. Towels are a wonderful resource and we have lots of them! You don’t have to be worried about leaking on the sheets or towels. All linens are washed and dried immediately after your treatment.
Works Cited:
“Prenatal Massage.” American Pregnancy Association,https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/prenatal-massage/ . Accessed 22 June 2023.
Rattray, Fiona Scott, et al. Clinical Massage Therapy: Understanding, Assessing and Treating Over 70 Conditions. Talus Incorporated, 2000.