Prenatal Massage is much like regular massage in terms of its health benefits, only it is customized to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies. It can be incredibly helpful through every stage of pregnancy and beyond. 

Benefits: 

(Prenatal)

• Eases muscle tension & joint discomfort
• Reduces swelling
• Increases circulation & blood flow
• Calms nervous system
• Improves Sleep
• Prepares body for labor & decreases chances of complications 

(Postnatal)

• Decreases Recovery Time
• Improves Hormone Balance
• Aids in Breastmilk Production 
• Decreases Stress/Anxiety
• Gets you in a Self-Care Routine

What to Expect?

The stages of pregnancy determine the style of massage that is done due to possible contraindications of particular positions. In the first trimester, it is safe to lie prone (face down) as long as you don’t receive deep low back work. There should be no deep pressure on the area of the uterus, so no deep low back work and no abdominal massage in the first trimester. 

In the second trimester you can lie face down up to 16 weeks, then you must be in side-lying or semi-reclining positioning to keep unintentional pressure off of the uterus. 

For prenatal massage after 22 weeks, you should not lie supine (face up) without being in the semi-reclining position due to possible pressure on the vena cava from the fetus. You may find that when you lie flat you feel dizzy or disoriented, it is a sign that blood pressure has been cut off and you need to get onto your side as soon as possible. (This is important to pay attention to at home when you’re on the couch or in bed.) 

The tables at Relax! all go into a semi-reclining position that is super comfy and relaxing, so if you’d like part of your massage to be done in that position, let your MT know and they can make that happen. No matter what position you are in at Relax!, you know you are in safe, qualified hands to help you get the best massage ever. 

For any other questions/concerns and/or booking appointments for prenatal massage, please contact us at Relax! Massage Therapy & Skincare! We look forward to helping you heal great & feel great through your pregnancy and beyond.  910.262.1122 Ext 1