During the beautiful journey of pregnancy, taking time to care for yourself is essential. At Aveda Essence Salon & Day Spa, we offer specialized prenatal massage services designed to provide expectant mothers with a nurturing and soothing experience. Our skilled therapists are dedicated to promoting your well-being and addressing the unique needs of your changing body.

Because a pregnant person’s body is so different from that of a non-pregnant person, massage and bodywork therapy techniques are also different. Pregnancy massage requires special adjustments to ensure baby’s safety and comfort while maximizing the benefits for mom. The changing shape of her body also requires special attention. For example, after about 20 weeks it’s advised that she avoid lying on her back because this could restrict blood flow to the growing baby. Expectant moms at any stage of gestation shouldn’t be massaged face down, so if you are pregnant but not showing a whole lot yet, do be sure to tell your massage therapist that you have some precious cargo on board and when you’re due.

Our prenatal massage is specifically tailored to accommodate the needs and comfort of expectant mothers. With gentle and nurturing techniques, our therapists relieve muscle tension, reduce swelling, alleviate back pain, and promote overall relaxation. Prenatal massage can also help improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and enhance your overall sense of well-being during this special time in your life. For even more therapeutic benefits, hot stones can also be added to your massage experience.

Prenatal massage can be a healthy part of your pregnancy! As long as you have clearance from your doctor and a massage therapist familiar with treating pregnant women, you should be fine. Most of the treatment will be performed with you laying on your side or somewhat reclining against cushions and pillows.

It is not recommended to receive massages during the first trimester, since many experiences found that it can trigger dizziness and even nausea. That’s not a fun thing for anyone to experience!

Before getting a prenatal massage, we always recommend that women consult with their doctor or practitioner. For some people, getting a massage during pregnancy can be dangerous, particularly if you have diabetes, morning sickness, preeclampsia, high blood pressure, pre-term contractions, fever, a communicable virus, abdominal pain, or bleeding.

Despite the fact that there is minimal evidence that massage might induce labor, some trigger points in the hands and feet should be avoided as they are known to cause uterine contractions.

From relaxation to increased blood flow, a pre-natal massage is proven to help you have the best pregnancy possible. Though it isn’t right for everyone and we always advise checking with your medical professionals before treatment, there are many great benefits to getting a massage while you’re pregnant.

Pain Relief

As the abdomen grows outward, your posture changes and your center of gravity shifts to hang over the hips. This can result in back, pelvic, neck, shoulder, or sciatic nerve pain. Prenatal massage therapy can relieve the discomforts associated with your changing body.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Prenatal massage is also used to boost relaxation and enhance overall well-being. Studies that have measured a pregnant women’s stress and immune system function show that women who received a series of prenatal massages showed significant decreases in stress hormone levels and an enhanced immune function, both of which are beneficial to both mom and baby, both in the short and long term.

Research also shows that prenatal massage can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Both professional massage therapy and massages from a partner can help decrease depression, anxiety, stress, and even preterm delivery and complications with low birthweight babies.

Reduced Inflammation and Swelling

As all pregnant moms know, some swelling is normal and expected during pregnancy. The fluid buildup tends to be most pronounced in the legs, ankles, and feet because the growing belly puts pressure on the veins in these areas. Massage may help to reduce this swelling and remove some of the discomfort associated with it.

Better Sleep

While pregnant , it’s not uncommon to have trouble with sleep . Some women find it difficult to fall asleep, while others have a hard time staying asleep or having restful sleep . However, there are some incredible solutions that will help you relax and enjoy your pregnancy. Pregnancy massage is one of them!

Prenatal massage has been shown to help relax and calm you well enough to fall asleep quickly, stay asleep for longer, and enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep. The last thing an expecting mom needs during an already stressful (and sometimes anxiety-provoking) pregnancy is restless sleep. Getting a great massage, especially later in the evening, can help you relax enough to get comfortable and sleep soundly through the night.