Prenatal Massage in Oceanside, CA
What is pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage is a safe, supportive therapy. It is not simply massage on pregnant bodies. It is an entire specialization in massage therapy: addressing all of the aches and pains of pregnancy, implementing safety precautions, and helping you prepare for birth. It is customized for where you are at in your pregnancy, using specialized pillows and positioning to adapt to your changing body.
You can find prenatal massage on the menu of almost every spa and massage center throughout North County — from Oceanside to Carlsbad, Vista and San Marcos. Are they all the same? Why are there so many rules about prenatal massage — are these restrictions legit?
Safety. Comfort. Good massage.
At Equilibrio's Oceanside location, pregnancy massage is not simply an option on our menu; it's our specialty. We focus on science-based prenatal massage — fancy talk to say that we're obsessed with your comfort and your safety. Our North County practice brings the same expertise we've refined since 2004.
We used to think we knew how to do prenatal massage. But massage after massage, you — our pregnant clients — taught us new things and sent us scrambling to learn more and go deeper. New techniques, new pillows, new perspectives. Thousands of prenatal massages later, humbly, we are still learning from you.
We work together with you for every massage to focus on: Safety, Comfort, and Good Massage.
Why Choose Equilibrio Massage Oceanside for Prenatal Massage?
Experience You Can Trust: While our Oceanside location is newer, it's backed by the same team and expertise we've been perfecting since 2004. Every technique, every safety protocol, every comfort consideration has been refined through thousands of prenatal massages.
True Specialization: Unlike spas or general massage centers in the area that offer prenatal massage as an add-on service, pregnancy massage is our primary focus. Our therapists receive extensive prenatal-specific training and ongoing education in the latest research and techniques.
Convenient North County Location: Easily accessible from Highway 78 and I-5, our Oceanside center eliminates the need to drive into San Diego for specialized prenatal care. Free parking and flexible scheduling make it simple to prioritize your wellness during pregnancy.
Science-Based Approach: We don't rely on outdated restrictions or "pregnancy massage rules" that aren't evidence-based. Our approach is grounded in current research, ensuring you receive safe, effective care tailored to your individual pregnancy.
Customized for Every Stage: From early pregnancy discomforts to third-trimester positioning challenges, we adapt our techniques for where you are in your journey. First baby or fifth baby — every pregnancy is different, and your massage should be too.
Is prenatal massage safe?
Yes, prenatal massage is safe! There are important things to consider. Every pregnancy is different, and it helps to have a massage specialist who can adapt the massage to your situation. A specialist knows how much pressure to use, where on the body it is safe to massage, how to make you comfortable on the massage table, and how to address specific pregnancy discomforts.
An important part of massage safety is the time the massage therapist has to consult with you prior to the massage and screen for any contraindications.
Customized Prenatal Massage
You can find prenatal massage almost anywhere these days — from North County spas to corporate massage franchises. Many places do prenatal massage. Yet few actually specialize in it. Prenatal massage specialists are trained to screen YOUR pregnancy and modify the massage based on YOU, not based on folklore, rumors, and myths. Instead of adapting a generic “cookie cutter” massage to a pregnant body, specialists address your pregnancy, your birth, and your postpartum recovery.
From Fear-based to Science-based Pregnancy Massage
A few decades ago, massage schools taught therapists that massage was a "big no-no" for pregnancy. For no real reason. Like so many things in pregnancy, massage has remained couched in confusion, mystery, and fear.
A new generation of massage therapists knew this was just hogwash. Not only could touch be safe in pregnancy, but for many women, it was desperately needed. A growing body of research has come along to back this up: massage is safe in pregnancy and has great benefits for the pregnant person, the baby, and the birth.
At Equilibrio Massage Oceanside, our work is dedicated to dispelling the myths that linger and helping women feel confident about getting really good prenatal massages throughout their pregnancies. Our team reads the research and uses both the client’s self-knowledge and the science to guide our decisions about what is safe and contraindicated in each massage.
Benefits of pregnancy massage
Prenatal massage promotes overall wellness throughout the duration of pregnancy and in the postpartum period. There is an increasing amount of research studying the benefits of massage for pregnant women. Women who receive regular massages throughout their pregnancy report fewer obstetric and postpartum complications, such as reduced prematurity rates, shorter and less painful labors, and fewer days in the hospital following labor and delivery. Regular massage during pregnancy —
✔️Promotes relaxation and minimizes the impact of stress
✔️Reduces back, hip, and leg pain
✔️Reduces fatigue & enhances sleep
✔️Relieves headaches
✔️Reduces edema and lowers blood pressure
✔️Relieves leg cramps
✔️Helps reduce pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel syndrome
Massage has been shown to help reduce postpartum depression, and in studies, depressed adolescent mothers reported less anxiety and depression, which was indicated by decreased stress hormones in their blood.
Is pregnancy massage safe for my baby?
Yes, prenatal massage is safe for both the baby and the pregnant person. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that regular prenatal massage results in less prematurity and healthier birth weights. In several studies, where the parent received regular prenatal massage, the baby had reduced levels of stress hormones in the postpartum period compared to a control group.
If you have concerns, talk with your care provider and find a massage therapist who can talk to you about your pregnancy and any customized modifications
Is deep tissue massage safe during pregnancy?
Yes, deep tissue massage during pregnancy can be safe. This is one of the most common questions we get from clients. And sometimes it's more like a begging plea — "please tell me you can do deep tissue massage in pregnancy!!" If you are looking for deep tissue massage in pregnancy, you will likely need to seek out an experienced specialist.
As with all massage (pregnancy or not) — deep tissue should be smart, strategic, and responsive to your body. If it feels good and respects your pain tolerance, it is very likely helpful and productive.
HOWEVER, most spas and many massage centers actually have a policy and train their staff NOT to perform deep tissue on their pregnant clients. This is not based on science. What gives?? Some of it's just mythology, some of it is fear of liability, and some of it is just a biz making a sound decision based on their limited training.
Prenatal Massage Specialists Serving North County
At Equilibrio Massage Oceanside, we bring decades of prenatal massage expertise to North County families. Our convenient Oceanside location serves expectant mothers throughout the region — from Camp Pendleton to Carlsbad Village, Vista to San Marcos.
What sets our North County practice apart? We've adapted our proven prenatal massage protocols specifically for the diverse needs of this community. Whether you're a military family stationed nearby, a first-time parent in coastal Oceanside, or an experienced mom seeking specialized care, our therapists understand the unique considerations that come with pregnancy in this beautiful coastal region.
Our Oceanside center features state-of-the-art comfort amenities and specialized equipment designed specifically for prenatal massage — from our collection of positioning pillows to our climate-controlled rooms that help you stay comfortable throughout your session.
Is it safe to get massage in the first trimester?
Yes, it can be safe to get a massage in the first trimester. Restrictions on safety for pregnancy massage are not about how far along you are; you can safely receive massage at any point in pregnancy.
If you would like a massage during the first trimester, seek out a therapist who can talk to you intelligently about your pregnancy, screen you for safety, and can give you information to share with your care provider.
Is pregnancy massage covered by insurance?
In California, most insurance does not cover pregnancy massage therapy. However, many of our clients have had success getting reimbursed or partially reimbursed from their insurance after obtaining an Rx from their care provider’s office. We are happy to provide you with a superbill.
Is pregnancy massage covered HSA or FSA?
Yes, most people are able to use their HSA or FSA to pay for prenatal massage. You will need to check with your program and make sure that the massage provider you choose is classified as a medical provider to receive payments.
How much does a pregnancy massage cost in Oceanside?
In Oceanside, prenatal massage can range in price from $100 to over $300. The pricing depends on many variables, including the type of establishment and amenities offered.
You can find prenatal massage services at spas, corporate massage franchises, chiropractor’s offices, massage centers, as well as independent massage therapists in private practice. Some hotel spas charge close to $300 for a 50-minute prenatal massage, whereas a franchise might charge closer to $120.
**It’s important to note that massage pricing in most places is not a reflection of staff training and experience.
