Pregnancy Massage: Is It Safe? Benefits and What to Expect
Pregnancy brings incredible physical and emotional changes, and along with them, new types of tension and discomfort. Massage therapy can be a gentle, supportive way to ease pain, improve mobility, and help the body adapt throughout pregnancy. But many people wonder, is it safe?
The answer is yes. When performed by a registered massage therapist trained in prenatal care, massage is considered safe during all trimesters of pregnancy. Your therapist will use techniques and positioning designed specifically for expectant parents, with bolsters and side lying support to ensure comfort and safety.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage offers both physical and emotional benefits. It helps to:
• Relieve lower back and sacrum pain caused by the shifting weight of your growing belly and changes in posture.
• Ease piriformis and hip tension, which can cause sciatic like pain radiating down the leg.
• Reduce abdominal discomfort by relaxing surrounding muscles and improving blood flow to the area.
• Lessen leg heaviness and swelling by supporting lymphatic drainage and improving circulation.
• Promote relaxation and better sleep, especially in the later stages of pregnancy when rest becomes more challenging.
• Reduce stress and anxiety, helping balance hormones and emotional well being.
Prenatal massage also encourages healthy circulation and can even help prepare the body for labor by maintaining flexibility in the muscles and joints involved in childbirth.
What to Expect During a Session
During your massage, expect slow, soothing movements with attention to comfort and positioning. You will typically lie on your side, supported by pillows, so there is no pressure on the abdomen. Your therapist will adjust techniques based on your individual needs, focusing on areas that feel most tense or uncomfortable that day.
The Importance of Postpartum Massage
Massage remains just as important after giving birth. The postpartum period is a time of major physical and emotional adjustment. Your body is still healing, hormones are shifting, and new postural strains appear from holding and feeding your baby. Common issues such as neck and shoulder pain, tightness in the chest from breastfeeding, and lower back pain are all common.
Postpartum massage can help ease muscle soreness, improve circulation, and support recovery from birth. It can also help with mastitis prevention, lymphatic drainage, and emotional balance, supporting those experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. With better rest, reduced pain, and a sense of calm, postpartum massage can make a meaningful difference in recovery and overall well being.
Whether you are in your first trimester or navigating the early weeks after birth, massage therapy provides safe, effective support for both your body and mind. Book your pregnancy or postpartum massage to learn more about how the jaw is connected to your body’s pelvic floor!
Being aware of any health considerations during your pregnancy helps us provide the safest and most effective massage experience.
