A First-Hand Look at Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage is one of our specialties—who needs a massage more than an expectant mother? With all the hormonal changes, shifting muscles, stress, and fatigue that come with pregnancy, prenatal massage therapy can work wonders. Don’t just take our word for it, though: we recently invited one of our guests and expectant mama, Amanda B., to share her first-hand experience.

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I’m no stranger to massage—I’ve been getting massages on and off since my teenage years. However, as someone going through her first pregnancy, every experience is just a bit different than it was pre-pregnancy. Plus, there are so many things you’re just not allowed to do while pregnant. I’ve already given up so many of my favorites—sushi, steamy-hot baths, and local beers. At 18 weeks pregnant, I was really excited to learn that massage isn’t on the no-no list! Going into my first prenatal massage, I had a million questions and Katie, my massage therapist, was more than happy to answer.

Is prenatal massage safe?

I’m the type of person who obsessively researches everything, and that habit hasn’t gotten any better while I’m pregnant. Everywhere I looked had the same answer to this question: yes, prenatal massage is safe for you and your baby! In fact, massage therapists are required to undergo hours of specific prenatal massage training before offering this service.

To make sure things stay safe, Massage Studio does require that you’re in your second trimester (at least 13 weeks pregnant) before indulging in a prenatal massage. If your pregnancy is high risk for any reason, be sure to also check with your doctor before booking an appointment.

How is prenatal massage different from a standard massage?

Massage is a great way for expectant moms to unwind and ease tension on those muscles—especially in the back and legs as the way you carry yourself changes during pregnancy. You still get all the same self-care benefits, muscle relaxation, and improved circulation that massage offers everyone. However, as Katie explained, there are a few key differences between prenatal massage and other massages that you should know about.

In prenatal massage, light-to-medium pressure is used, especially on the lower back and midsection to prevent any undue stress to your growing bump (don’t expect any super-firm pressure!) Add-ons that normally come standard at Massage Studio, like aromatherapy and a heated table, aren’t used during prenatal massage to ensure maximum safety for mom and baby. Other than those few little things, there’s nothing earth-shatteringly different about prenatal massage compared to other massages.

Can I lay on my stomach for prenatal massage?

Real talk, this is the best thing about prenatal massage. I’m normally a person who lays on my stomach or side to sleep, and I’ve struggled to get comfortable since my belly popped! While googling before my appointment, most pictures of prenatal massage show women laying on their side—not my personal ideal for a full hour.

When I arrived for my prenatal massage, Katie had already set up special pillows on the massage table to make sure I’d be comfortable laying on my stomach. The pillow is basically shaped like a big wedge, with the tallest part near your head and gently sloping down at the legs. In the middle, there are cutouts for your bump and breasts, making sure that there’s no discomfort or pressure on these sensitive areas while you lay comfortably and let your massage therapist work their magic. Katie gave me the option to stay on my stomach for the full hour, which I happily accepted.

How often should you get a prenatal massage?

Katie invited me back for another prenatal massage, recommending to wait another four weeks before my next appointment. As a rule of thumb, you can time your massages with your doctor visits—every four weeks through the second trimester, then as much as every other week from weeks 27-36. In those last four weeks, you can feel free to get a massage every week if it suits your schedule! Personally, I work full time and will be getting massages as regularly as my schedule allows—it’s definitely worth making the time for.

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Prenatal massages are a great addition to your prenatal care regimen, and continue to be helpful as part of postpartum recovery. If you have any questions about prenatal massage, we’re happy to answer! Don’t hesitate to reach out or book an appointment to make us a part of your pre-baby team.