These are some frequently asked questions about pregnancy massages.  To return to the general FAQs, click on the button below.
 

There is no standard answer to that, as each woman and each pregnancy is different.  Massage is intended as a support for you throughout and following your pregnancy, so you should schedule appointments as frequently as you need them to help you manage the stress and discomfort.  If massage therapy is going to be an integral part of your prenatal care, you will probably benefit from sessions about once a month during the first trimester, two or three times a month in the second and third, and more frequently as you approach your due date.  If you are experiencing intense discomforts, you may want to schedule more frequent or longer sessions.

We realize that during pregnancy, some ladies are quite sensitive to scents.

We use the highest quality unscented massage cream.  It is wonderful and all our clients love it as it’s light and highly absorbable.  Only if you would like, we add a drop or two of pure essential oil of Lavender to our regular cream and warm it in our hands before gliding it on your body.

Do you do abdominal massage?

We do not touch the growing abdomen during the 1^st trimester; however we do light feathery strokes thereafter with our lovely cream to moisturize the belly if the mom gives her permission to do so.

No, we are not convinced that these types of accommodations to the pregnant belly are the most healthy or comfortable way to receive maternity massage.  One size hole does not fit all mothers at different stages of pregnancy and the action of gravity on already stretched ligaments can cause more problems.  In addition, exerting pressure directly down on the back could create excessive intrauterine pressure once the pregnancy has reached much past the first trimester.  Therefore, we use an extra wide standard massage table and use lots of fluffy padding and soft comfortable pillows and cushions to support every inch of our expecting moms’ bodies in a side-lying position during their massage sessions.

We primarily use Swedish massage strokes that are modified for side-lying position as well as mild stretches.  We do some exploration of the tissue in the low back and hip area and employ gentle trigger point and compression techniques to help tightened, tense muscles relax and let go.  We customize each session to your individual needs and our goal is to provide each mom-to-be with the most enjoyable and therapeutic experience possible.

If your pregnancy is progressing normally and you and baby are healthy, you can continue to enjoy regular pregnancy massage up until you are ready to give birth.   In fact, it is a great idea to schedule a massage on your due date just to have something to look forward to in case the labor process hasn’t moved along much yet.

Pregnancy causes significant systemic changes in the body and for some women these physical changes can lead to prenatal complications.  While massage is not necessarily contraindicated for all complications, it is advisable to seek your doctor’s advice and approval in the case of serious condition or abnormality before receiving maternity massage.  Before your session, you will complete a health information form where we ask you to tell us about any complications with regard to your pregnancy.  We can discuss any reasons why massage may or may not be appropriate for you in your situation.