Prenatal Massage
Anyone who's ever had a professional massage knows that both body and mind feel better afterward — and the same goes for prenatal massage, which can feel even more wonderful when extra, unbalanced weight and changes in posture stir up new aches and pains in new places.
We provide specialized massage sessions for expecting mothers. Our custom prenatal table allows you to comfortably lay on your stomach with great support for your belly! No need for uncomfortable positioning with pillows and cushions - just the relaxing, relieving session that you deserve. Moms-to-be who deeply miss their stomach-sleep love to lay on this magical table.
Believe it or not, this guest is sporting a baby bump comfortably face-down on one of our special prenatal tables.
What to know about getting a massage during pregnancy:
Carrying a baby within you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, so that your pelvic joints are less stable, and changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that the extra weight you're carrying and you may find you've got an aching lower back.
A trained prenatal massage therapist knows where a pregnant woman's sore spots are likely to be and may be able to provide some relief. Still, it's important to communicate and tell us where you need attention. Let us know right away if anything during the massage – including your positioning – is causing you any discomfort.
What is prenatal massage?
Prenatal massages are adapted for the anatomical changes you go through during pregnancy. In a traditional massage, you might spend half the time lying face-down on your stomach (which is not possible with a baby belly) and half the time facing up (a position that puts pressure on a major blood vessel that can disrupt blood flow to your baby and leave you feeling nauseous). But as your shape and posture change, a trained massage therapist will adapt specifically to your needs and limitations.
How will I be positioned during my session?
Most women find it uncomfortable to lie facedown right from the start of pregnancy because of their tender, swollen breasts. And you can't lie facedown on a traditional massage table once your belly has started to grow. On the other hand, it's not a good idea to lie flat on your back either, particularly once you're past mid-pregnancy, because the weight of your uterus puts too much pressure on the vein that returns blood from your legs to your heart.
For these reasons, we will use a special table with hollowed-out areas and special pillows to accommodate your belly and chest so you can lie facedown. If you find this position stresses your lower back, you can lie on your side with pillows, wedges, or a full-length body pillow for support.