Words of Wellness

The discomforts of pregnancy can often be overlooked, especially when you’re dealing with the aches and pains that having life inside you can create. Although being pregnant is as rewarding as it is exciting, many women experience feelings of lethargy, swelling, anxiety and depression resulting from hormonal changes, and can even have difficulties sleeping, notably during the final months. Prenatal massage can provide infinite potential benefits including heightened mood and energy, improved oxygenation of muscles and soft tissues, improved mood and energy, and enhanced sleep. An expecting mother experiencing these pregnancy stressors may benefit greatly from massage as it is an excellent way to not only seek relief but to feel pampered as well.

You may wonder, “Is prenatal massage different from a traditional massage?” In reality, there is a difference between therapist training and the techniques used. At Elements Massage, all of the prenatal therapists have received additional training and certifications in prenatal massage. The techniques used are specific to address the anatomical changes a woman faces during pregnancy, and the massage is performed either side-line or using a customized table specifically designed for pregnancy massage.

As an excellent addition to your prenatal care during pregnancy, massage therapy can benefit both the expectant mother and child. Massage is a fabulous way to boost circulation, increasing blood flow to the uterus, placenta, and fetus, improving your baby’s nutrition. By accelerating waste elimination and flushing toxins from the body, both mom and baby can have improved immunity. Additionally, massage helps reduce swelling, tension, aches, and pains, and promotes relaxation and stress reduction which contributes to improved sleep. This is a great preparer for the body to handle the stressors of labor and birth. Massage can be an essential part of keeping your body healthy, connected, grounded, and growing.

According to the Co-founder & registered Midwife of, My Expert Midwife, Lesley Gilchrist, "Prenatal, or antenatal, massage refers to any form of massage that a woman receives during her pregnancy,”. The prenatal massage targets specific areas of pregnancy that may be sore or uncomfortable, such as the back, neck, shoulders, and pelvic area. During pregnancy, some women find that the uterus creates added pressure in the body which can disrupt the circulatory system, resulting in swelling in certain joints. Prenatal massages help ease the discomfort that a woman may be experiencing at any stage of pregnancy while working to relieve discomfort and lessen the numerous impacts that a woman may suffer when she goes into labor later on.

Illuminating a comfortable atmosphere for massages is a top priority with any client, but especially with pregnant women. Taking the discomforts of pregnancy into consideration, it is important to offer expecting clients optimal positioning to help adapt an ideal experience. Here at Elements Massage, we provide a prenatal cut-out massage table with a removable plug for maximum comfort. The breast and belly sections of the table are covered by an innovative design that uses stretchy mesh to support and cradle the pregnant belly without causing displeasure.

Dealing with the nuances of pregnancy can significantly hinder one’s ability to perform daily tasks, but through massage, women are able to seek a deeper sense of relief to help guide them through their journey. In addition to improving moods, reducing birth complications, and improving cardiovascular health, massage therapy can help dramatically change hormone levels during prenatal care, specifically improving levels of dopamine & serotonin. Massage is a drug-free, non-invasive, and humanistic approach to wellness that relies on the body's inherent healing abilities.

Pregnancy is a magnificent, advantageous experience; but, if we’re being transparent, we know it can also be fairly tough. Your body will benefit from a good massage as it copes with the many demands of being a mom. Pregnancy is a time in your life when you most definitely deserve some pampering! Whether you’re new to motherhood or have kiddos running amok, treating yourself to a massage can make the world of difference.

Prenatal massage is generally performed after the first trimester of pregnancy and recommended at a monthly cadence until 27 weeks along, after which semi-monthly massage is ideal. As you move into the last month of pregnancy, weekly massage is most effective in preparing you for birth. As with any medical condition, it is important to consult with your physician and have open conversations with your OB and massage therapists to determine the proper treatment plan customized to meet your needs.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, be sure to send this to a Mom-to-be so she can book her massage appointment today!