Prenatal Massage FAQs

There are some instances when massage may not be appropriate, particularly if it is a high-risk pregnancy or you have certain health conditions.

So it’s always advisable to check with your doctor or midwife before having a massage.

If you have had a massage before, then you know how great it feels. But pregnancy massage is a little different. For example, the positioning during the massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby. The therapist will also have to adjust their strokes and techniques to accommodate the pregnancy. The massage is always tailored to meet individual requirements.

This is where a prenatal massage at Serene Bodyworks is unique.  We utilize a specially designed pillow/bolster that allows you to lie on your stomach.  But, don’t worry, it’s not one of those pillows or tables that just has a hole for your baby bump, which causes the uterine ligaments to be stretched causing more low back pain.  No, this one is memory foam that supports your body in all the right places, without putting pressure on your bump and allows your back to fully relax and receive the full benefit of the massage.  However, that being said, if for any reason you are not comfortable, we also offer side-lying massage and have all the pillows and bolsters to support you.  When it is time to work the front side of your body, we have a custom designed leg support which elevates your legs to reduce swelling (This is also a safe position to lie in during pregnancy as it does not put weight on the major blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart.)

Pregnancy massage has been found to relieve back, muscle and joint pain, sciatica, leg cramps, headaches and reduce swelling and stress. It is a popular alternative for pain relief, as medications are often limited.  Research shows prenatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.

We massage the abdomen with your permission.  Very gentle strokes can feel calming and it’s our opportunity to “meet” your new baby.  We also believe that it is a wonderful thing for the expectant mother to massage her own abdomen, as it can be ideal for the start of the mother-baby bond.

Prenatal massage can be performed with as much or as little clothing as you’re comfortable wearing – it’s always a personal decision. You will be draped with a sheet, and only the area being worked will be uncovered. 

In my opinion, no massage should ever be “painful”.  You may be aware that a particular area is more tender to touch than others, and those are the areas that need the most work.  However, the pressure of the massage can be as light or as deep as is needed. It is important that you always feel comfortable and enjoy the treatment. If something doesn’t feel right, please speak up right away. 

Of course! Deep tissue massages can feel so wonderful for the tight hips and lower back that are common with pregnancy.  Most areas of your body that you would normally receive deep tissue work can still receive that same attention while you pregnant. We just have to adjust slightly. 

We generally avoid the use of essential oils during pregnancy. This is purely a precautionary measure.

This is entirely up to you. Each woman and each pregnancy is different.  Generally prenatal massage can benefit you throughout your pregnancy with monthly appointments until around 27 weeks, then twice monthly appointments from around 27 weeks to 36 weeks, and weekly appointments from 36 weeks until you give birth.  If you choose, we have multi-session packages of six, eight, ten or twelve sessions available. 

During the first trimester the abdomen and deep work on the lower back should be avoided.  There are acupressure points on feet and hands that are known to stimulate contractions, but only if they are worked specifically and accurately. Gentle massage to assist with swelling or joint pain is safe for most women. The exception to this is that if you have had pre-term contractions, the ankles should be avoided entirely – just in case.

If it was a healthy pregnancy and delivery without any major complication, a massage can safely be given as soon as you feel ready. However, if you have a caesarean-section you will usually need to wait for the scar to heal and any scabs to have fallen off.  We do offer a specific modality which can help release the scar tissue utilizing the Dolphin MPS units, and these treatments can begin as soon as you are able to travel.