Pregnancy is a wonderful and miraculous stage of life. It’s a beautiful journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and of course, physical changes. Your body slowly but surely makes room for a new life. As this happens, you might experience aches, pains, and discomforts that can leave you feeling exhausted and drained.

At Elements of Life Massage in East Amherst, NY, we understand both the joys and pain of pregnancy. That’s why we offer our pregnancy massage therapy services (prenatal massage) — a massage therapy specially designed to safely provide expectant mothers the relief and relaxation they need.

But did you know that pregnancy massage is about more than just pampering and relaxation? Let’s take a closer look at the various benefits of pregnancy massage.

Prenatal Massage 101: All You Need to Know

What are prenatal massages?

Prenatal or pregnancy massages are specialized massages designed specifically for pregnant women. These massages focus on providing relief from the physical and emotional discomforts that are often experienced during pregnancy — all while keeping mother and baby completely safe.

H3: Why is prenatal massage important?

Although rest and relaxation are important for pregnant women, pregnancy massage goes beyond that. It provides a safe and natural way for expecting mothers to manage the physical and emotional changes that come with pregnancy.

Here are some of the benefits of prenatal massage:

The Physical Benefits

• Reduce backaches and muscle tension. The growing weight of your baby can be a beautiful feeling. However, it comes with aches, pains, and strains on your back and muscles. Pregnancy massage can help soothe these areas, promoting muscle relaxation and alleviating discomfort.
• Improve blood circulation. When you improve blood circulation, your organs — and baby — receive oxygen and more efficiently.
• Lessen the swelling. Prenatal massage can help reduce the dreaded swelling phase during pregnancy, particularly in the legs and feet.
• Enhance sleep quality. A relaxed body, free from aches and pains, results in a more restful sleep — crucial for you and your baby.
• Reduce headaches. Another common pregnancy discomfort is headaches. Pregnancy massage can help take the edge off.
• Labor prep. Prenatal massage can help improve flexibility and loosen tight muscles, potentially making labor and delivery more comfortable.

The Emotional Benefits

• Reduce stress and anxiety. With a quality pregnancy massage, you can enjoy the feel-good hormones and relief from stress and anxiety (which tend to increase during pregnancy). 
• Improve mood. When you’re relaxed, it can naturally boost your mood. A positive outlook is a great thing during the wild ride of pregnancy!
• Heighten body awareness. Be more in tune with your body and the changes it’s experiencing. This can help you keep yourself and your baby safe and in good health.
• Boost sleep quality. We know — we already said it. But it can’t be overstated. Sleep is so important for mother and baby. Achieve deeper sleep for a more refreshed and more emotionally-resilient you.
• Indulge in self-care. During pregnancy, it’s easy for you to prioritize the needs of your growing baby. However, caring for yourself is just as important. Recharge and reconnect with yourself with the help of prenatal massage

How does prenatal massage work?

Pregnancy massages use gentle and modified techniques from regular massages to make them safer for both the mother and baby. Therapists avoid applying pressure on the abdomen and focus on other areas like the back, shoulders, legs, and feet. Techniques used may include strokes, kneading, and compression that are tailored to the specific needs of the mother-to-be.

What to Expect During a Prenatal Massage

At Elements of Life Massage, expect a friendly consultation with your therapist before your prenatal massage. The therapist will then focus on your back, shoulders, legs, and feet using gentle techniques while you lie on your side with special pillows. Afterward, you can rehydrate and relax. These massages typically last 30 to 60 minutes and can be done weekly or monthly, depending on your needs.

Is prenatal massage safe?

Prenatal massage is safe as long as it’s done by a certified pregnancy massage therapist who understands the specific needs and considerations of pregnancy. To ensure a safer and more effective session, communication is key. Inform your therapist of your trimester, any areas of discomfort or pain, preferences, and goals. Positioning is also important, and this is the reason why therapists use specialized pillows and positioning techniques to ensure optimal support for the expectant mother and the growing baby.

Prenatal Massage Vs. Regular Massage

• Focus. Prenatal massage targets pregnancy aches (backs, legs, feet); Regular massages usually cover a wider range of areas.
• Techniques. Pregnancy massage uses gentler techniques; Regular massages may use stronger and firmer techniques and pressure level.
• Positioning. Prenatal positioning is on the side, supported by pillows; Regular massages offer more positions such as sitting or lying down on your stomach
• Safety. Prenatal massage requires a specialized certification. Always make sure your massage therapist is certified in prenatal massage before booking one.

Find Relief with Pregnancy Massage Therapy at Elements of Life Massage in East Amherst, NY

Don’t wait until the aches and pains become unbearable. Our pregnancy massage therapy services can be an invaluable tool — helping you enjoy your pregnancy instead of  just surviving it.

Contact Elements of Life to book today, and experience the physical and emotional benefits of prenatal massage for yourself!

Disclaimer: Please bear in mind that pregnancy massage therapy is complementary and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any new massage therapy, especially during pregnancy.