How Is Prenatal Massage Different From Regular Massage
Prenatal Massage is different from regular massage in a few ways. Prenatal massages are more gentle than other types of massages, but they still offer many benefits.
Prenatal massages are tailored to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies, and therapists trained in prenatal massage adjust their techniques accordingly.
Many practices offer both traditional and prenatal massages, but some differences exist. As pregnancy progresses, your body’s posture shifts due to swelling this can lead to muscle tension caused by new pressure on joints and ligaments. Under these circumstances, a regular Swedish massage won’t necessarily be as effective as it normally would be at relieving muscle tension or pain. A therapist who specializes in prenatal work will likely use slower strokes that run from head to toe and target specific areas where you’re experiencing pain.
Therapists may also take extra time before beginning a session so they can gauge how you’re most comfortable, and suggest other positions such as sitting up or lying on your side instead of flat on our back with legs slightly bent at hip level .
What is a prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage is a special type of massage that focuses on the needs of the pregnant individual.
Some benefits of prenatal massage include:
Why is prenatal massage needed?
A prenatal massage can help alleviate stress on weight-bearing joints.
Many people find that massage helps with sleep during pregnancy.
Why get a prenatal massage
When Should I Get Prenatal Massage
It is generally performed after 28 weeks of pregnancy with countless health benefits that will ease your pregnancy journey. You can still get it earlier from your 16th until the 27th week of pregnancy, but make sure to consult your gynaecologist to get their green light before you proceed.
The question remains should you go for a pregnancy massage? How will pregnancy massage benefit you? Are there any prenatal massage risks you should know of? We address all your concerns down below!
What Does It Involve
One of the most popular forms of pregnancy massage uses the principles based on Swedish massage techniques. This is because of its particular benefits in reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
Some massage therapists use aromatherapy oils and burn incense to heighten the sensory experience. There is however, a range of oils which need to be avoided as they can prompt uterine contractions. These include oregano, nutmeg, peppermint, thyme, basil, sage and rosemary. You may prefer the massage therapist uses non-scented or very low scented oils.
How much skin you expose during your massage is entirely up to you. Some women are comfortable wearing very little clothing others want to feel more covered. It is worth bearing in mind though, for you to get the most benefit from your massage, the therapist needs to be able to access as much of your skin surface area as possible.
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What Is Massage Envy
Massage Envy is an international chain of centers that offer massages and facials to promote overall wellness. By creating an international network of over 25,000 licensed massage therapists and estheticians in a set of over 1,000 connected centers in the United States, they aim to make total body care more accessible, convenient and affordable to more customers.
Prenatal Massage At Syracuse And Rochester Ny
Our CNY Healing Art Center in Syracuse and Rochester New York specialize in Prenatal Massage! Since CNY Healing Arts is an extension of CNY Fertility, you are in good hands getting a Prenatal massage with us because we know babies! Our CNY massage therapists in Syracuse and Rochester are certified and ready to comfort you and ease tensions or discomforts associated with pregnancy.
Prices:
Syracuse: $65/30 minutes, $95/60 minutes
Rochester: $55/30 minutes, $85/ 60 minutes
Call our Syracuse office at or our Rochester office at to schedule a Prenatal Massage now!
To learn more on the benefits and precautions, read on!
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How Long After Foot Massage Does Labor Start
How long does it take for reflexology to induce labor? Since your body is actually ready for labor, reflexology could help you get into labor within 72 hours.
Do massages induce labor?
An induction massage can help relax your sacrum and pelvic area, allowing more room for your baby to get into your pelvis. This is very important for an easier birth of the child. Massage can stimulate the release of certain hormones that cause labor.
Can you get a foot massage at 40 weeks pregnant?
A gentle, soothing massage can do wonders for your body when youre pregnant. Yes, you can get a foot massage while pregnant.
Avoid Deep Pressure Especially In Certain Areas
Your massage therapist should avoid putting deep pressure on your abdomen and legs. More specifically, they should also avoid the areas around your ankles and a few of your toes namely your big, second and baby toes.
Deep pressure can cause issues if you have blood clots, Cvitkovic warns. These places have little pressure points that migrate upwards. Pushing on them might increase blood flow.
If a person who is pregnant has a blood clot, varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis, pressing on those areas can also increase complications, such as inducing labor or preeclampsia. Avoiding those areas will definitely give you the least amount of risk for any of that to happen, Cvitkovic affirms.
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What To Expect At Cny
At CNY, the pregnancy pillow is optional. If a pregnant woman chooses to forego the pillow, the therapist will perform a massage with the client on their side so to not disrupt the baby. Each person is different on what they find most comfortable.
Laying on the pregnancy pillow was so comfortable for me during my massage! I had not been able to lay on my stomach for weeks, so being able to do it comfortably was great. The massage was so relaxing, I fell asleep and had to be woken up at the end!
-CNY Syracuse Client, Amber
During the beginning of pregnancy and middle, attention to pressure points are avoided during massage. If it is the end of your pregnancy and you are close to your due date or past, massage therapists at CNY can pay attention to these pressure points. They agree it is better to go naturally then be induced with drugs. This is only done with the clients consent. A massage therapist would never decide on their own to apply pressure to these points.
What About When I’m In Labour
Massage can also be used very effectively during labour to relieve back pain and generalised muscle tension. It is a good, practical way of partners being an active part of labour. Not all women like to be massaged when they are in labour though, and find it to be distracting and a major irritation. Some massage therapists or doulas use aromatherapy oils to induce labour. These combined with massage are thought to enhance the progression of labour.
Last Published* December, 2022
*Please note that the published date may not be the same as the date that the content was created and that information above may have changed since.
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Tips For A Pleasant Massage Experience
The first thing I tell my clients is to try not to feel self-conscious. A good massage therapist is not judgmental. The therapist wont care if you havent shaved your legs in a while or if youve gained a little extra weight during pregnancy. Massage therapists see the human body like an artist sees a canvas. Our goal is to help you feel less pain and greater relaxation. On that note, your privacy is very important. A professional massage therapist will never ask you to expose more of your body than youre comfortable showing. If you feel uneasy for any reason, be sure to tell your therapist right away.
Finally, its important to hydrate before your appointment. Pregnant women require additional fluid intake anyway, so drink a few extra glasses of water before and after your appointment.
Its safe to have up to weekly prenatal massages as long as you dont have a condition that could put you or your baby at risk. Call or request an appointment online with your doctor to discuss your personal risk factors or to get clearance to enjoy a prenatal massage.
Is It Safe For Baby
Getting a massage can benefit your baby. Massage is associated with a lower chance of premature birth or low birth weight. The research indicates that massage reduces anxiety and depression in the expecting parent, both of which make it more likely for a baby to be born small or early.
Taking good care of yourself by getting massages may also help your baby be born with lower stress levels. Newborns born to parents with depression tend to have higher amounts of cortisol in their systems. So, if massages help you manage your depression, they might also help the baby feel their best from birth.
To keep your baby safe during a massage, your massage therapist should refrain from massaging any parts of your body that might push on the baby or the placenta.
Getting a massage while pregnant has many benefits for both you and your baby.
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How Much Does A Pregnancy Massage Cost
The cost of a pregnancy massage varies depending on different factors, such as your geographical location and the type of facility offering massages.
The average cost for a 30- to 60-minute massage is $60 to $100 but can be more.
Insurance usually will not cover a pregnancy massage. Some may offer discounts or cover part of the cost. Some plans may cover massage under chiropractic care.
Check with your insurance provider before scheduling your massage.
How Often Can You Get A Pregnancy Massage
Again, there doesnt seem to be a concrete answer regarding how often this can occur. The answer looks to be similar to how often you can get a normal massage, basically however often youd like. The important thing is to listen to what your body is telling you and relay anything out of the ordinary to your doctor, especially if a massage is at any point causing you pain, cramping, or bleeding.
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How Does A Massage Envy Membership Work
A Massage Envy membership works similarly to any gym membership you have with a nationwide network. You get additional discounts and rewards for your loyalty, and you can enjoy their massage services at multiple locations with nearly all the same benefits you had at the Massage Envy nearest your home. Just like a gym helps you commit to improving your health in the long run by working out regularly, Massage Envy encourages recurring massage sessions and facials to enhance your overall sense of well-being and help treat chronic pain.
Is Massage Safe During Pregnancy
A heavy belly. A sore back. An emotional rollercoaster. Welcome to pregnancy! Many women ask whether massage therapy is a safe way to relieve these physical and mental stressors. The answer is: Generally, yes.
Massage therapy during pregnancy has been shown to provide many benefits, including a sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep. But certain techniques and trigger points in the body can cause contractions and premature labor, so seeking expertise is vital. Prenatal massage is a specialized certification, and massage therapists who practice it receive advanced education in safe techniques for pregnant women.
Before you schedule a massage, visit with your doctor and follow specific guidelines to protect yourself and your baby. Ive invited Bridgette Young, a massage therapist who also is a mom-to-be, to share insights about things to consider and the benefits of prenatal massage.
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How Often Should I Get Prenatal Massage
by Maternal Massage Team | Aug 4, 2018 | prenatal massage
From the earliest weeks of pregnancy all the way through postpartum, the female body goes through a series of consistent changes. From shifting pelvic bones and a growing belly all the way to swollen ankles and a strong sense of smell. Every day the body does twice the work inside and out. It is easy to argue that regular massages can help mom feel relaxed, but is it really necessary to come more than once or twice? You may be asking yourself, how often should I get prenatal massage?
Research That Supports Massage For Pregnancy
Research dating back two decades began to confirm the benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy, with a 1999 study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology finding reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep and less back pain among expectant mothers who received massage twice weekly for five weeks.
Additional early research added even more insight into massages role in facilitating a healthier pregnancy. A small 2006 study in the Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences showed massage was a solid integrative treatment for severe pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, while a 2009 study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies on 112 pregnant women diagnosed with depression suggested those receiving psychotherapy plus massage over a six-week period experienced greater drops in depression than those getting psychotherapy alone.
Meanwhile, a 2009 study in Infant Behavior & Development also focused on pregnant women with depression, finding those undergoing massage therapy not only experienced less depression at the end of 12 weeks, but also carried that benefit into the postpartum period. And a 2010 literature review in Expert Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology showed massage therapy decreased depression, anxiety, and leg and back pain in pregnant women, also indicating those in labor used less pain medication and had labors averaging three hours shorter than average.
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Can I Get A Massage In The Third Trimester
You can receive a pregnancy massage in the first, second, or third trimester. However, most experts and massage therapists suggest waiting until the second trimester. In the first trimester, your body is still adjusting to creating another life, so nausea, dizziness, cramping, and risk of miscarriage may be your constant companions and those complications could be increased with a massage.
When To Avoid Having A Pregnancy Massage:
- If your maternity care provider has advised you against it.
- Some massage therapists have a policy of not doing pregnancy massages within the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. This is because of the increased risk for miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation.
- If you are in a high risk pregnancy category or have previously had a premature labour.
- If you have Pregnancy Induced Hypertension e.g. high blood pressure.
- If you have pre-eclampsia, or sudden swelling with retention of fluid. If you experience severe headaches.
- If having a pregnancy massage causes you to feel sick, lightheaded, gives you a headache or you don t enjoy the experience. Don t feel as if you have to do it just because others feel it’s a good idea. Some women genuinely don t like being touched and find massages an intrusion of their privacy.
- If you feel the massage therapist is being too vigorous you need to say so. Ask them to be a little gentler and keep the lines of communication open between you both. This is what is termed a therapeutic relationship and it needs to be working for you both in order to gain maximum benefit.
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Prenatal Massage During Your Third Trimester
As you enter the third trimester, our focus will begin to shift toward preparing you for labor and delivery. There are many rapid changes occurring inside and outside of your body during this time.
The added weight and increased hormone levels lead to additional strain on your muscles and ligaments. Even the simplest of movements can lead to muscle spasms and pain, so well focus on massage techniques that will keep them loose and relaxed.
Thanks to the pressure of your growing uterus, you may also experience swelling and edema, as well as digestion and elimination issues. Prenatal massage is very useful for combating these symptoms.
Relaxing your muscles and ligaments will also prepare your body for an easier labor and delivery and a faster recovery.
Differences Between Regular And Pregnancy Massage
The question I get asked most frequently is Whats the difference between a regular massage and a pregnancy massage? I get it, the differences are sometimes subtle, so let me break things down for you!
The three main differences between a general massage and a prenatal massage are:
1) Treatment Goals
2) Positioning and
3) Pressure
There are a few more specific differences when it comes to massaging women who are experiencing a high risk pregnancy, but I will save discussing those for a different post. Read on to learn more about those three differences between pregnancy and regular massage therapy!
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What Makes Pregnancy Massage Different
Ante-Natal massage differs from general massage because there can be some risks if particular pressure points are stimulated. These are located within your wrists and ankles and massaging them can stimulate the uterus to start contracting. There also needs to be a level of sensitivity and gentleness extended by the therapist, which factors in the baby as well.
Some expectant couples book a massage therapist to give them both a massage and they find this is a good way of connecting and enhancing their emotional connection. You may find that your massage therapist is willing to show your partner some massage techniques you could try for yourselves.
Your Guide To Pregnancy Massage
If you havent received professional training in prenatal massage and want to incorporate it into your therapeutic practice, we highly recommend seeking out specialized training and education in the area. Theres no substitute for professional training, and we wont claim that the information offered in this article is enough to prepare you to offer this service to your clients as a massage professional. Instead, this guide is intended to give you an overview of pregnancy massage. Below, well touch on the following topics:
- What is pregnancy massage?
- How to position the client
Ready to learn more about pregnancy massage? Lets get started!
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