Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is a nourishing way for mothers-to-be to find balance in their ever changing bodies. From anxiety and newfound aches in the first trimester to hip, back, and shoulder pain in the third, massage can bring ease back to the mind and body.

Is it safe?

Yes! As long as mother and baby are both healthy, massage with a certified prenatal specialist is safe during all trimesters of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if your pregnancy is considered high risk or your doctor is monitoring you for any health related factors.

What are the benefits?

Pregnancy massage helps to calm the mental and emotional stressors associated with pregnancy. It can relieve muscular, ligamental, and joint pain that arise as baby grows and the body adjusts for birth.

After birth, massage can help mom to reconnect with her body. Postpartum massage helps to soothe the new aches mom will feel as she holds, feeds, and cares for baby. I love helping new mom’s feel realigned by working on the hips, abdomen, and low back. Combining massage with pelvic floor physical therapy is a powerful way to recover in the months following birth.

How is pregnancy massage different?

During pregnancy massage, adjustments are made to positioning to ensure the safety of mom and baby. I use slight modifications during the first 14 weeks, including a semi-reclined table (not the awkward, uncomfortable wedges!). From 15 to 40 weeks I utilize side lying positioning supported by cozy pillows in combination with a semi-reclined table. My advanced training ensures that the quality of your massage is never affected by this alternate positioning.

Pregnancy massage is generally done at a lighter level of pressure. I always start with a gentle Swedish pressure and let my clients guide me on their level of comfort. Deeper massage is safe for clients who enjoyed firm pressure prior to pregnancy or have specific discomfort that requires deep or myofascial work. Pregnancy does not automatically make you fragile. As long as you listen to your body and let me know what you need your session can be deeply soothing while still being safe.

I never utilize face down bolsters. These are not considered safe by the college of obstetrics. They increase strain on the low back of the mother and may increase intrauterine pressure.