Prenatal Massage
A prenatal massage is a therapeutic body technique that can help ease the common physical strains of pregnancy. These sessions work wonders on issues like back pain, swollen ankles, and joint discomfort, using techniques tailored just for moms-to-be. Beyond the physical relief, prenatal massages can help alleviate stress, curb depression, and promote one’s emotional well-being during this transformative journey.
What are the Benefits of Prenatal Massage?
Our licensed massage therapists are specifically trained to utilize gentle pressure and custom-tailored techniques that are both safe and beneficial for you and your baby. During a prenatal massage, they provide pillows and extra care to be sure you are comfortable throughout your massage.
Prenatal massage offers a range of benefits for expectant mothers:
Physical Comfort
Prenatal massages help alleviate common discomforts associated with pregnancy, including back pain, muscle tension, and swollen joints.
Stress Reduction
Pregnancy can be a stressful time for many expectant mothers. Prenatal massage therapy stimulates the release of endorphins, your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, which can help reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Improved Sleep
During pregnancy, it is common to have sleep disturbances due to stress and exhaustion. Prenatal massage in Denver can help by making you feel more relaxed and reducing stress and anxiety, which can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
Enhanced Circulation
Prenatal massage helps to stimulate blood flow and encourage lymph to move around the body, thus helping to remove toxins and reduce swelling. On the metabolic level, the improved circulation helps the blood to transport oxygen and nutrients to cells and remove metabolic waste.
Hormone Regulation
Massages can help regulate hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, both of which help boost your mood. This can be incredibly helpful, especially if you are struggling with anxiety and depression during your pregnancy.
It's important to note that while prenatal massages are generally considered safe for most pregnant women, individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before scheduling a session, especially if they have specific medical conditions or concerns.
Depressed women given massage therapy had fewer prenatal complications, including a 75% lower prematurity rate and an 80% lower incidence of low birthweight. Source.
Prenatal Massage FAQs
Possibly. Women classified as having a high-risk pregnancy, with complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, or a history of recurrent miscarriages will need a doctor’s permission before a massage. If a woman has placenta previa, a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, massage may be contraindicated due to the risk of bleeding. Likewise, if a woman has undergone recent abdominal surgery, it’s advisable to wait until the area has healed before receiving prenatal massage. And while mild edema is common in pregnancy, severe swelling may be an indication of a more serious condition. In such cases, massage therapists should use caution and may need to modify techniques. Additionally, women with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular issues, should consult with their healthcare provider before receiving prenatal massage. Pregnant women with a history of deep vein thrombosis should avoid massage entirely, especially deep tissue massage on the legs, to reduce the risk of dislodging a blood clot.