What is Prenatal or Pregnancy Massage?

• Prenatal massage is simply massage given to an expecting mother with a few changes made in positioning as her body changes.
• Prenatal massage also requires knowledge of a pregnant woman’s anatomy as her body shifts throughout her pregnancy.

Prenatal Massage has many benefits including:

• • Reduction of stress
• • Relief from muscle pain, cramps, and spasms especially in the low back, neck, hips and legs
• • Increased blood and lymph circulation
• • Reduced swelling
• • Enhanced pliability of the skin and underlying tissues
• • Improves the outcome of labor and eases labor pains
• • Provides support for the new mother both emotionally and physically

What does Prenatal Massage look like?

First Trimester

• • In the first 3 months of pregnancy massage will look much like it did before a new mother was expecting.
• • An intake form will be completed outlining any body concerns or issues.
• • As long as the woman is comfortable, the traditional positioning of being on her belly and back will be utilized for the massage.
• • Low lighting and Essential Oils may be used to help combat fatigue and nausea as well as reduce stress.

Second and Third Trimesters

• • If the woman has been receiving regular massage, a conversation will be had at the beginning of each session in order to address her needs. If not, an intake form will be completed.
• • As a pregnant mother’s belly grows it is no longer possible for her to lay on her stomach so a propped position and side lying positions will be utilized in order to reach her whole body.
• • Propped is when the pregnant woman is on her back, propped up with pillows.
• • Side lying is with a woman laying on either side with pillows under her head and along the side of her body allowing her shoulder, and the hip, knee and ankle of her top leg to be in alignment in order to keep her spine straight and relieve pain.
• • Please note that proper and modest draping are always practiced, regardless of the position of the client.
• • Again, low lighting and essential oils may be used.

Post Partum Massage

1. • Massage can benefit a new mother by helping to return her to her pre-pregnancy body more quickly.
   
   • It helps to realign the spine
   • Restore the abdomen
   • It helps to realign the spine
   • Soothe sore muscles
   • Offer relaxations and rest to the new mom
   • Provides emotional support