What is Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal massage is an adaptive massage that tailors to the needs of the anatomical changes your body is going through. Many therapists require you to wait until after you’ve passed your first trimester as massage may cause miscarriage. However, that is a common misconception. Massage does not cause miscarriage but it can increase dizziness and morning sickness. You should always communicate with your doctor first before receiving massage to rule out any underlying conditions.

Your body is working hard, undergoing a plethora of changes, to care for you, the baby, and prepare for labor. You may be experiencing shortness of breath, increased urination, hormonal changes, feet and ankle swelling, leg cramps, realignment of the spine and pelvis, heartburn, acid reflux, constipation, and many others. The list goes on, however, our licensed therapists would be honored to help improve your comfort levels during this exciting moment.

What Are the Benefits of Prenatal Massage?

Pre-labor benefits:

• Increases blood circulation which reduces swelling
• Alleviates fatigue
• Nourishes the baby by increasing blood supply to the placenta
• It also calms the nervous system
• Decreases muscle strain on your lower back and other aches related to the postural changes.
• Self-massage to the perineum promotes flexibility which reduces tearing and/or episiotomy at delivery

During labor:

• Promotes general relaxation by calming your nervous system
• Stimulates glandular secretions to release oxytocin which stimulates the birth process
• Releases endorphins to reduce pain
• Brings the focus to you

Post labor:

• Aids the healing process
• Helps stimulate milk production by assisting to release prolactin, a hormone needed to produce milk
• Alleviates fatigue
• Promotes restful sleep
• Reduces postpartum depression

More importantly, it’s a chance to reward yourself for the 9 months of hard work you just did. Your baby can benefit from massage, as well. Infant massage helps your baby develop a relaxation response. This allows for both of you to get a restful night’s sleep. A trained therapist can show you how to massage your baby at home. This is the best benefit of all because it strengthens the bond between you and your bundle of joy.

What to Expect During a Prenatal Massage?

You and your specially trained therapist will discuss how your development is going. Be honest with them. Prenatal massage is generally safe but there are some conditions that can contraindicate massage. For example, preeclampsia is pregnancy-induced hypertension that develops after 20 weeks. It occurs in 5% to 8% of all pregnancies. It is more common in first pregnancies, young or advanced maternal age, and women who are pregnant with more than one fetus. Varicose veins are a local contraindication, in which the area does not experience touch, as there is a high risk of blood clot formation. Again, it’s important to speak with your doctor to make sure you two are healthy and able to receive massage.

After intake with your therapist, they’ll instruct you on how to lay on the table. The American Pregnancy Association discovered that sleeping on your left side allows easier travel of blood from the heart to the placenta and prevents the enlarged uterus from putting too much pressure on the liver. Expect to spend most of the massage in a left side-lying position. They’ll also provide a few pillows to go under your head, between your knees, and in front of your chest for added support and comfort. Prenatal massage is intended for relaxation with light to medium pressure. Too much pressure may stress your body and the baby out. You may feel your baby become happily active or they may become less active and relax right along with you.

There is no greater gift on Earth than that of a newborn. As an expecting mother, you want the best for your little bundle of joy. So, it’s only right that you take care of yourself during your pregnancy. We value and honor our moms-to-be at The Best Body Co.We want to celebrate this moment with our Perfectly Pregnant Spa Package that includes a massage, the Aveda Pure Focus Facial, and finally ending with a wash and blow dry in our salon. So please call us today or go on our website to find availability today.