What To Expect During Your First Prenatal Massage

If this is your first pregnancy it can be a confusing time. You may be researching and wondering which of your beloved pre-pregnancy activities are still safe?

Fortunately, pregnancy massage is not only safe to enjoy but it is also encouraged! Studies show that massage during pregnancy can help manage symptoms and make for an easier labour. Here are all the things you need to know before you book your first prenatal massage appointment!

Is it safe to get a massage during pregnancy?

Yes, massage is safe during pregnancy. Some spas discourage against massage altogether during the first trimester. There is a myth that massage may somehow eject the baby during pregnancy, we don’t have magic superpowers and can assure you that your baby will stay intact during your massage. No matter your trimester.

Our Registered Massage Therapists at Mama Mobile have special training in massaging prenatal women in all stages of pregnancy, first trimester included! Of course as with any massage, this is given that you have been granted the green light from your health practitioner to get started.

There are a few accupressure points that most massage therapists will avoid in order to keep you safe. These points are said to induce labour although there is no firm medical research proving this. A few of these include the area between your ankle bone and heel and the fleshy area on your hand between your thumb and index finger.

How does prenatal massage differ from regular massage?

Prenatal massages are adapted to the anatomical changes of your body. Traditionally when you think of massage you are most likely picturing yourself face down on a massage table. Things will look a little different during your prenatal massage as the safest and best position for you to be in is on your side.

Luckily our massage therapists are specially trained to massage women during their pregnancies and believe this position to not only be the safest but also gives the best access to areas of the body that are most affected by pregnancy.

Your Mama Mobile massage therapist will bring many pillows to your home. During your massage she will place a pillow in between your legs, under head and in between your arms. This will prop your body up to effectively access the areas that need TLC.

At some point in the massage you may be asked to turn onto your back in what we call a “semi-side lying position.”

We do so very methodically as laying on your back during pregnancy is cautioned. The weight of the baby and uterus can compress blood vessels. This reduces circulation to your placenta making it an unsafe position and one that can result in dizziness. We achieve our semi-side lying position safely by placing a wedge underneath your right hip. All of our massage therapists are trained to do this properly, it is our duty to keep you and your baby safe!

Why it is important to seek a prenatal massage specialist?

As you continue to grow your baby your body makes major changes in order to accomodate. A hormone called relaxin is pumped through your body during pregnancy. Relaxin causes all of the joints in your body to loosen which causes temporary structural changes such as the slight broadening of your hip bones to prepare for labour.

Your muscles begin to move from their regular lengthened position into a shortened position to help out the lax joints and reduce injury. As a result of the lax joints and shortening muscles many women experience pain and discomfort. You are most likely feeling pain in your back, neck and hips from these changes.

How do I find a prenatal massage expert?

All massage therapists learn how to perform prenatal massage during their massage therapy training. However, in order to become an expert in prenatal massage they must complete additional courses and regularly work with pregnant women to maintain their skills. Upon graduation many massage therapists don’t have enough access to this population and quickly lose confidence in the skills they learned.

This is one of the reasons that as a company we choose to focus exclusively on moms. We provide in house training to ensure all of our massage therapists have the same skill-set and have quarterly education sessions to sharpen their skills. We also operate as a community allowing all of our massage therapists to share knowledge between one another.

What are the benefits of prenatal massage?

Reduces Swelling

The massage therapists at Mama Mobile are trained to incorporate lymphatic drainage into your prenatal massage. This technique will help to reduce swelling that you may be experiencing during your pregnancy in places like your legs, hands and feet (as long as that swelling isn't a result of preeclampsia).

Connection With New Baby

Housing a new baby can make your body feel foreign to you at times. Massage is a great way to connect your body and mind. It may also help you build connection to your baby.

Stabilize Hormones

Regular massage during pregnancy can help reduce anxiety, elevate your mood.

Improves Nerve Pain

Sciatica and piriformis syndrome are very common symptoms during pregnancy. This might feel like numbness or tingling in the lower back, bum area and potentially all the way down the leg. Prenatal massage can also eliminate carpal tunnel pain.

Makes Delivery Easier

Improves Circulation

Massage improves blood flow and circulation. Improved circulation is particularly important during pregnancy because it allows your body to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the baby. The more nutrients and oxygen the baby receives the more it can grow!

Can prenatal massage prepare your body for labour?

Prenatal massage is a great modality to prepare your body for the marathon of birth that is to come. When it comes time to push it is much easier to do so when your muscles are in a relaxed state. Every prenatal massage should include a bit of massage around your hips.

How often should I get prenatal massages?

Your massage therapist will create a specialized treatment plan for you based on your unique needs. Generally during pregnancy massage every 3-4 weeks will best help to accommodate the quick changes your body is going through.

Many of our mamas choose to do a few bookings a few days apart during their last few weeks!

I’m late in my third trimester- can I start getting massages?

As long as you have been cleared by your medical professional for massage it is safe for you to begin treatment as far into your pregnancy as on your predicted due date! Most mamas-to-be find the last 3 weeks of their pregnancy to take the biggest toll on their bodies and it is not too late to benefit from the effects of a prenatal massage.

If you have reached a point during your pregnancy where you don’t feel agile enough to get onto a massage table or you are on bed rest don’t worry! All of the Mama Mobile massage therapists are trained to offer alternative positioning options for your prenatal massage. Your massage can be performed on a chair or even laying on the couch or in bed.

How much does prenatal massage cost?

The good news is that most insurance plans cover prenatal massage! A standard 1-hour session is 128, many of our mamas opt for a 90-minute session to ensure all areas can be covered.

How do I make the effects of my prenatal massage last?

In the week following your prenatal massage your body will most likely be feeling some relief! In order to ride out this feeling there are a few steps you can take at home:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water helps your muscles/joints function better and often leads to less pain!

2. Practice Self-Massage

Try some of our self massage techniques for pregnancy check out the Mama Mobile YouTube channel.

3. Move your body

With a growing bump it can be tempted to avoid moving more than needed. Challenging your muscles from their day to day positions can help to reduce tension - this can be as easy as a light walk. (make sure to consult your medical professional before beginning a new exercise program).

4. Perform Light Stretching

After your prenatal massage your Mama Mobile massage therapist will provide you with a few stretches you can do at home based on your unique treatment plan. This will help you maintain the effects of the massage and manage daily aches/pains!