Pregnancy Massage
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 in San Diego on the menu of almost every spa and massage center. Are they all the same? Why are there so many rules about prenatal massage — are these restrictions legit?
Safety. Comfort. Good massage.
At Equilibrio, 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. And we have been 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.
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 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, 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.
Are pregnancy massage tables safe?
There are special massage tables designed to help pregnant women lay face down during a massage with special holes cut out for the belly and breasts. While this is probably safe sometimes, industry experts recommend against these tables. Here’s why and what you need to know to consider if a special table with a belly cut-out is right for you.
Special tables can provide some relief to pregnant people, but experts are not so sure how ideal they are for receiving massage. It seems to lie face down, no matter how well-supported your belly is, risks creating extra strain on your lower back and could increase intrauterine pressure, particularly once we begin applying pressure to your lower back and hips during the massage. For many women, these special pregnancy tables end up re-creating some of the postural distortions that they are seeking relief from through massage. Counterproductive!
If you are looking for a massage using one of these tables, make sure that the therapist is certified in pregnancy massage (and if they are using these tables, chances are they are not certified by an industry expert). Also, make sure the massage establishment has enough time for the massage therapist to talk with you about your pregnancy and that they are comfortable working with you in other positions if you decide the table is not right for you part way into your massage.
Can you go facedown while pregnant? Yes, it can be safe for some women and some pregnancies. Make sure you have a thorough discussion with your massage therapist to rule out any safety modifications.
Are pregnancy massage pillows safe?
Pregnancy massage pillows were created to adapt a standard massage table for a face-down prenatal massage. This pillows has holes cut out for the pregnant belly and breasts, and a special headrest. Is it safe?
Experts have the same concerns about this pillow as they do about the special pregnancy massage tables. Going facedown can be complicated and counterproductive. One benefit the pregnancy massage pillow has over the table is that it keeps your hips in a slight flexion. This can help ease discomfort in the lower back and posterior pelvis. However, pregnant people tend to complain more about some of these pillows because they feel like they are suffocating in the headrest.
What position do pregnancy massage experts recommend?
Pregnancy massage experts recommend a side-lying position for prenatal massage. This position optimizes your alignment, protects your baby, and reduces strain on uterine ligaments. The side-lying position should be expertly supported with a variety of pillows, including specialized pillows engineered for side-lying massage. This should be far more customized than just giving you a pillow for your head.
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 it safe to get massage at 14 weeks?
Yes, it is safe to get a massage at 14 weeks. Many people choose to wait until later in pregnancy when they imagine their discomforts will be greater, but massage can still be helpful at 14 weeks as you adjust to all the changes that are underway in your body and your life.
Is it safe to get massage at 39 weeks?
Absolutely! It is safe to get a prenatal massage up until you give birth. If you have a special health situation going on, you will want to consult ahead of time with your massage therapist to assess for any contraindications and needed modifications.
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 San Diego?
In San Diego, 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.
