Pregnancy Massage at MRMT

Pregnancy massages are different from regular massage and they also are varying from person to person, since pregnancy can be experienced differently. Some factors that can determine the safety of massage during your pregnancy are age, high risk pregnancies, how you feel during the different semesters, if you have ever had a massage before, etc… If you are unsure if massage is for you asking your pregnancy doctor who knows your pregnancy the best will help determine how safe massage is during the different semesters for you. 

What does massage look like while pregnant?

First semester massage depends on how high risk your pregnancy is, and doctor consent should be obtained before massage regardless of the risk. There is limited to no scientific evidence that can connect massage directly to miscarriages, but some people prefer to not take the chance during this time. It will be up to the level of comfort you feel during your pregnancy and if your massage therapist feels comfortable with it. Semester 1 pregnancy massage looks similar to regular massage however there will be moderate pressure and light pressure in the low back area, hot stones will be moderate heat (because you have increased blood volume). 

In 2nd semester there is a lower risk of miscarriage in general. If consent from doctor was not confirmed in the 1st semester then it should done be here. Every pregnancy has varying level of risk. If the belly is too big or there is discomfort laying on stomach, then at Muscle Release Massage we do side lying technique with body pillows for comfort. There is no work on lower back because there is so much pressure and lack of stability because of the new hormones and hips shifting. Moderate pressure and limited heat will be used. Massage is an effective tool in relaxation and flushing out extra fluid that may be accumulating in the feet. We can do some trigger point work to eliminate muscular pain and discomfort. 

In 3rd semester there is an even lower risk of miscarriage in general. However, if you have not yet had a massage in your pregnancy, a doctors’ consent should be maintained first. This massage is typically done side lying as laying prone (face down) is not usually an option, at MRMT we do not have a table to do so. The massage techniques are similar in the 2nd semester, but no time spent supine (laying on your back). In your last week of pregnancy when the baby can come at any time, we can try some reflexology and relaxation techniques to encourage labour. This massage can be successful and has for us in the past, but some babies are more stubborn than others!

To book a pregnancy massage, click a regular therapeutic treatment and leave a note on your appointment indicating how many weeks you are!