By Kayce Weaver, LMT
Prenatal massage focuses on the needs of an expecting mother as her body changes during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant anatomical and hormonal changes in order to accommodate a growing baby. Carrying a baby changes your center of gravity and puts stress on your pelvis, back, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. It also relaxes your ligaments which means your pelvic joints are less stable. This also changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. With all of these changes, it is common to have many aches and pains during pregnancy.
Similar to a regular massage, prenatal massage aims to relieve those aches and pains by relaxing the body, easing sore muscles, and improving circulation. With that being said, prenatal massage is customized to a pregnant woman's changing body and is different from regular massage in the positioning, pressure, and increased or decreased attention to certain areas of the body. Massage during pregnancy has been shown to improve your health, encourage healthy development of the baby, and provide much-needed rest and relaxation.
What to expect during a prenatal massage
During a prenatal massage you can either lie on your side with supportive pregnancy pillows or lie face down on a special pregnancy table, before switching to your back in a semi-reclined position. Our goal is to assure that you feel as comfortable as possible during the massage, so we will discuss the optimal position before and throughout the massage. Many expecting mothers fall asleep during the massage because they finally find relief and can fully relax.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage:
Alleviates pregnancy discomfort by relaxing muscle tension
Improves mood and reduces stress levels
Reduces anxiety and depression by decreasing hormones like cortisol and catecholamine and increasing dopamine and serotonin
Reduces sciatic nerve pain by reducing muscle tension in nearby muscles
Improves circulation and helps stimulate soft tissues to reduce the collection of fluids in swollen joints
May lower complications in birth and can potentially reduce instances of newborn complications
It is also a great time to tune into the body with breathing and mindfulness techniques in preparation for labor!
Is prenatal massage safe throughout the entire pregnancy?
Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester. However, we always advise women to check in with their doctor or midwife before starting massage therapy since there are a few risk factors that can affect your ability to receive treatment.
Labor Massage & Postnatal Massage
In addition to prenatal massage, studies have even shown that women who are massaged during labor reportedly had shorter hospital stays, shorter labors, and less incidence of postnatal depression. It would be a great idea for your partner, support person, or doula to massage you during labor! Postpartum massage can also be very helpful in the post labor recovery process when new mothers are exhausted mentally and physically. Massage Therapy can relieve the neck and back strain from carrying the baby and breastfeeding and can also help reorient you to your postpartum body.
Ready to book your prenatal massage with Kayce?
Call or text our office at 303-744-7100 or book online today! And while you’re at it, make sure you also book your prenatal chiropractic appointment with Dr. Goodman, Dr. Johnston, or Dr. Toppin, who specialize in the Webster Technique, so you can experience the best pregnancy possible!
Kayce Weaver, LMT, is a Licensed Massage Therapist that specializes in Prenatal Massage. She is passionate about women’s health and helping her clients live a more pain-free life.