My second pregnancy was really hard on my body. I had a prenatal massage at Rejuvenations and I was hooked. Knowing that my therapist was trained in pregnancy massage gave me the peace of mind to relax and let go — I knew I was in “good hands.” I started counting down the days in between my appointments. My son loved the massages, too. He would wiggle and dance during the massage, then go to sleep for hours. It was like magic.”— Brittney, Reston, VA
Pregnancy is a joyful time as you prepare for the newest member of your family. But many women experience back pain in pregnancy… and leg pain, and general exhaustion. And if you’ve already got little ones at home, relief may feel like an unattainable goal. We can help pregnancy pain so you can feel great!
The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
If you’re experiencing any of the normal discomfort associated with pregnancy, then the question is not if you want a pregnancy massage, but when is the best time to get one. The answer to that question is today — whether it’s a massage in the first trimester or third trimester.
Many women wait to get massage in the 3rd trimester, and immediately wonder why they suffered for so long. There is no reason to avoid massage in first trimester; prenatal massage has never been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, but it has been associated with making the expectant mother feel good.
In fact, perinatal massage — regular massage before, during and after your pregnancy — can be an important part of your health regime. Why? Because pregnancy is a time of profound change: Your center of gravity changes and your muscles and joints have to work differently. Perinatal massage ensures your body moves through that change with ease at each stage.
Safe Massage for Pregnancy
Many expectant mothers wonder if pregnancy massage is safe for the baby. The answer is yes. It’s not only safe, it’s often very beneficial for you and your growing baby. A safe massage for pregnancy is one performed by a massage therapist with advanced training in prenatal massage, as all of our therapists are.
Generally, pregnancy massage uses moderate pressure applied to the muscle groups to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation. These techniques specifically address many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes and hormone shifts pregnancy brings about. A skilled therapist can help with pain relief during pregnancy as your body goes through these changes.
A prenatal massage is different from a regular massage in that we use pillows or cushion systems to support your body (We use “the BodyCushion” system for face down massage for pregnant women if indicated). It is very comfortable!
If you have back pain in pregnancy, massage can definitely help. It is also great for:
- Sciatic Pain
- Muscle / Leg Cramps
- Edema / Swelling
- Sacral Joint Pain
- Stretch Marks
Pregnancy massage also helps your body prepare for delivery by helping increase elasticity and range of motion in the joints and muscles associated with childbirth. And by helping blood flow in the legs, prenatal massage can reduce the chances of edema, varicose veins, and blood clots. If you already suffer from these conditions, don’t worry — they don’t automatically exclude you from being able to have a pregnancy massage. However, if you have any high-risk conditions, it’s important that your physician is aware of any complimentary health treatments you’re receiving, and we require a note from your doctor stating that you are cleared for massage.
We have had clients ask if they can get a massage to induce labor. This is called “induction massage.” While studies show there is no direct evidence a massage can cause you to go into labor, we do know that stress inhibits labor. By reducing your stress, we can help your body naturally progress to labor. We like to joke that the best way to induce labor is to schedule a pregnancy massage on your due date — many of our clients call from the delivery room to cancel their appointment. It seems to be very effective.
Whatever stage of pregnancy you are in, massage can help you feel great. Book your appointment today!
What do the Washington Nationals and the Olympic Figure Skating Team have in common? Both have sports massage therapists on staff to keep the athletes performing at their peak.
