What is it?

Massage therapy for pregnant bodies in all stages of their pregnancy.

For many pregnant clients, their health concerns differ from our other clients but they also have many of the same discomforts - just layered with the growing baby and of course, a changing body. Many of the same massage therapy techniques can still be used for those who are pregnant.  Some women may also find the practice of mindfulness and breathwork that’s often integrated during a massage therapy treatment helpful as they near labor and birth. 

During the later stages of pregnancy when lying on one’s belly may not be possible, we use a sidelying position to work at relaxing tension related to pregnancy and daily life.  In fact, it is not uncommon for our therapists’ to use the sidelying position for clients who are not pregnant.  It is an extremely effective position for tension in the shoulders, hips and low back as well as the legs.  Extra pillows and bolsters are also used for comfort and support. 

All of our Sore Spots massage therapists have continued training in pregnancy massage.  We strive to ensure every mom has a positively relaxing, therapeutic and nourishing experience.

What’s the research say about massage therapy & pregnancy?

While energy & general wellness can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy, most can assume that it is a substantial time of change in a woman, much less a family’s life. It's a time of physical change but can also be a time of increased sensitivity and mental health stress.

The research suggests that for some, massage therapy can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and low mood for the pregnant population.

There is no evidence to support that massage therapy causes miscarriage. Miscarriage is naturally more common early in pregnancy, some older massage traditions sometimes advised avoiding during this period; unfortunately that precaution is still repeated today despite lack of evidence supporting it.

Research suggests that for some, massage can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety & low mood for the pregnant body.

Benefits

• Eases muscle tension and pregnancy-related back, hip and leg discomfort

• Helps with pain commonly described or identified by clients as ‘sciatica’ or ‘piriformis’ syndrome

• Offers quiet time to connect with a changing body

• Supports a mind – body connection.

• Reduces the symptoms of stress and anxiety

History of Pregnancy Massage

Historically, we can find Ayurvedic texts from India prescribing prenatal massage practices for expecting mothers and to date, India has a strong practice for mothers and babies. 

Within North America, outside of massage therapists, Doula’s are also wonderful advocates for touch therapy for it’s overall benefits and promotion of healthy touch in loving families. 

Touch and massage have long been part of pregnancy and postpartum care in many cultures. Historical use tells us something about traditions of caregiving, care for the pregnant body and the importance of honouring this chapter of life.