What is Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy is a time of major structural, physiological, psychological, spiritual, and social changes. Some of these changes produce discomforts and concerns, which can be addressed with appropriate massage therapy and body use guidance. Pregnancy massage therapy is beneficial throughout the nine months of a low-risk pregnancy. If you are not having a low risk pregnancy, discuss your condition with your physician or midwife. After further discussion, you may be able to receive therapy with additional written release.

Massage therapy in pregnancy can include specific light and deep pressure massage, myofascial techniques, circulatory work, acupressure, reflexology, and other techniques.

Massage during pregnancy helps relieve stress and support the expectant mother through the time when her body is undergoing enormous physical and hormonal changes. Some of the by-products of these changes result in a number of uncomfortable conditions such as backache, sleeplessness, edema, headaches and other minor complaints.

What are the benefits?

A regular massage and bodywork helps relieve pregnancy's unique aches and pains caused by extra weight, changing structural alignment, and hormones.

Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs.
Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling.
Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, promotes relaxation, facilitate transitions through emotional support and physical nurturing
Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pain.
Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.
Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering.
Reduces blood pressure, relieves varicose veins, and increases blood and lymph circulation
Facilitates hormonal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, and other physiological processes during pregnancy

What to Expect?

A thorough massage session takes at least one hour, during which you will be comfortably supported in a side-lying position and draped for your comfort. Only the body part being worked on is exposed. The room will be quiet and comfortable. It is fine to interrupt the massage to use the restroom, however, for maximum comfort, avoid heavy eating and drinking for two hours before your session.