Woman getting a massage while pregnant — Pregnancy is a transformative experience that can be hard on the body. With added weight, changes in posture, and hormonal fluctuations, it's no surprise that many expecting mothers experience aches and pains. This is where prenatal massage comes in. Prenatal massage has a wealth of research supporting its benefits for expectant mothers, including decreasing discomfort, depression, anxiety, and labour duration.

Many women are unsure about getting a massage while pregnant. They are worried about safety and comfort. Thankfully, research has deemed massage safe for both mother and baby in healthy pregnancies. If you have complications or a high-risk pregnancy, talk with your doctor before booking a prenatal massage.

Prenatal massage can help with a variety of pregnancy symptoms. In a 2006 study in the Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, prenatal massage had been found to help with nausea and vomiting. Additionally a research review in 2010 found that massage reduced back pain, leg pain, anxiety, and depression. That review also found that those who had massages throughout their pregnancy used less medication and had labours that were three hours shorter on average.

Additional Benefits

Our massage therapist, April Mitchell, is not only trained in prenatal massage but is also a mother to three children. She knows what it is like to be pregnant and is happy to chat with her prenatal patients about all things motherhood. Through prenatal massage April provides, emotional support, and promotes relaxation for the mind to prepare for birth.

Precautions to Take

While prenatal massage can be incredibly beneficial, taking some precautions is important. Our massage therapist, April Mitchell, at Restore Health and Sport has years of experience working with pregnant clients and knows how to safely and effectively provide prenatal massage.

April uses a variety of bolsters and cushions so you can remain side-lying during your massage. Many women are worried about laying on their stomachs even with a pregnancy pillow, so we remove this worry from treatment by remaining side lying.

When to Schedule a Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage can be incorporated into your self-care routine throughout your pregnancy. It's recommended to schedule massages every four to six weeks during your first and second trimesters. During the third trimester, it's recommended to schedule massages every one to two weeks. Of course, every pregnancy is different, so it's important to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

Conclusion

Prenatal massage can be a wonderful way to care for your body and mind during pregnancy. Reducing physical discomforts and regulating hormones, can help make your pregnancy experience be more enjoyable. Remember to take precautions, such as talking to your doctor and seeking out a trained prenatal massage therapist. At Restore Health and Sport, our massage therapist specializes in prenatal massage and is here to help you feel your best throughout your pregnancy.