If you’re not familiar with prenatal massage, it’s a type of massage that’s similar to regular massage. However, it’s customized to a pregnant woman’s needs.
A pregnant woman’s body is constantly changing. Prenatal massage helps ease sore areas, improves overall circulation and mobility and relaxes tense or sore muscles.
It also helps pregnant women “just feel good”.
A trained prenatal massage therapist adjusts their massage techniques to the needs of a pregnant woman, focusing on the neck, back, abdomen and shoulders.
They understand that a pregnant woman has very specific sore and swollen areas, and can help provide deep relief.
They’ll also know what areas to avoid.
Let’s take a further look into the benefits of prenatal massage, and find out if it’s right for you.
The Many Benefits of Prenatal Massage
There’s not a ton of high-scale research that’s been done on the overall therapeutic benefits of this type of massage. However, smaller studies tell us that prenatal massage can:
- Lower stress and improve mood
- Reduce swelling in legs
- Help diminish anxiety and prenatal depression
- Lower the risk of premature birth or low birth weight in babies of women suffering from prenatal depression
Prenatal massage also helps put pregnant women in a better overall mindset. It can help them cope with all the huge changes that are about to transpire in the coming months.
Remember to tell the massage therapist about any and all areas of the body that need attention. If anything is causing discomfort during the massage, don’t hesitate to let them know.
Find the Best Therapist Possible
Start out by getting recommendations. These can come from your hospital, healthcare provider, or friends and family
If you’ve used another massage therapist in the past and enjoy their work, find out if they have prenatal massage training or can direct you to a colleague who does.
Also consider visiting the American Massage Therapy Association. They have an online referral system that will show you recommended therapists throughout the US, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Virgin Islands.
If you’re in the Colorado Springs, CO area, Turning Point Medical Group is a great choice.
Some therapists will request clearance from your midwife or doctor prior to providing treatment. Make sure to ask about this as soon as you can.
Also, make sure to remind your therapist when you arrive that you’re pregnant.
How Much is it Going to Cost?
In general, a one-hour massage session will run anywhere between $60 – $150 (sometimes more depending on your location).
Keep in mind that some health insurance plans cover parts of the cost, even if you’re self-employed.
This is only true, however, if you get a prescription from a midwife or doctor that indicates massage therapy is needed for medical reasons (like severe back pain).
If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, you can pay for the massage therapy out of either and save money on taxes. All you’ll need is paperwork from the provider that shows the massage as a medically necessary procedure.
Have You Tried It Yet?
We’d love to hear your thoughts about this type of therapy and if it’s been beneficial for you and your baby.
Have you had a good experience with a prenatal massage? Let us know in the comments!