Therapeutic massage comes in many different types and modalities but only one type of massage, PRENATAL MASSAGE, specifically caters to expecting mothers. The benefits of this massage therapy abound, but you will need to do your due diligence when researching massage practitioners who offer this service. Be sure to discuss your risk status with your doctor AND with the right massage therapist who offers this beneficial service.

Designed With Safety in Mind

Your safe and effective prenatal massage therapy session started when your massage therapist was a student within an ACCREDITED massage therapy training program or an ACCREDITED school of therapeutic bodywork. Special time was taken to ensure that the student therapist had more than adequate knowledge of anatomy and physiology as it pertains to changes through each trimester during pregnancy. Once completing the massage therapy education program your massage therapist should have earned his or her license by passing a board exam within the respective state in which they practice. During a prenatal massage, special attention is given to ensuring that the expecting mother is in the best, safest, and most beneficial body position for her and her unborn baby. At Stacy’s Massage & Spa, our Massage Therapist will focus on your safety by practicing the following best practices of prenatal massage:

• Sidelining-Resting the expecting mother on her side or sidelining position of the mother, prevents the mother from lying on her back. This prevents Supine Hypotensive Syndrome-when the weight of the uterus rests against the inferior vena cava which results in maternal blood pressure and decreased circulation to both mother and baby. 
• Swedish Massage-No deep tissue pressure applied, only light pressure. Swedish massage is the gentle massage technique recommended because it addresses many common discomforts like circulatory and skeletal changes that are caused by hormonal shifts. Swedish massage techniques are known to improve blood and lymphatic circulation while relaxing muscle tension.
• Second Trimester and Beyond-Our Massage Therapist will only consider massaging clients who are in their second trimester and beyond due to the increased blood flow that can pose harm during the first trimester of pregnancy.
•  We Avoid Giving Prenatal Massage to the Following:
  • Clients experiencing nausea, vomiting, or morning sickness
  • Clients who have high risk of miscarrage
  • Clients with high risk pregnancy such as placental abruption or preterm labor.

What About the Benefits?

The benefits of Prenatal Massage Therapy are vast and abundant. The list includes, but is not limited to:

• Lowered anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Decreased back and leg pain
• Therapeutic for people with depression
  • Increased levels of serotonin and dopamine (feel good hormones)
  • Decreased levels of cortisol (Stress hormone)
  • Improvement in overall mood
• Boosted immune response
• Pain relief
  • Joint pain
  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Leg cramping
  • Sciatica
  • Headaches
  • Carpal tunnel pain
  • Muscle pain
• Promotes relaxation
• Relieves tension and stress
• Positioning of the baby

Stacy’s Massage and Spa therapists are well-versed and experienced practitioners of prenatal massage therapy. Our profession demands that we care for you safely and our business depends on your satisfaction. 

**Stacy’s Massage and Spa recommends that our pregnant clients consult with their physician prior to scheduling a massage.

**We require that ALL pregnant clients be in their second trimester or beyond when considering our prenatal massage services. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.