Since Lansomatic puts prenatal massages as one of the pillars of our practice, I often get asked how prenatal massage is different from regular massage.
Prenatal massage is a specialized type of massage designed to support the physical and emotional well-being of expecting mothers and their babies. It is different from regular massage in several key ways.
First, prenatal massage is tailored to the specific needs and concerns of pregnant women. The therapist will take into account the woman's trimester, any medical conditions, and areas of discomfort or pain.
Second, there are specialized techniques and positioning to ensure the safety and comfort of both the mother and the baby.
Let’s talk more…
As I said, one of the main differences between prenatal and regular massage is the use of specific techniques to address the changes that occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. These changes can include increased lower back and pelvic pain, swelling in the hands and feet, symptoms like round ligament pain, calf cramps, “bra strap” pain, and more. How many did you count?
Prenatal massage can help alleviate these symptoms by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.
Not only that, but prenatal massage can have a positive impact on the baby's development and health, as it can help to improve the mother's overall well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase the release of oxytocin, which can promote bonding between the mother and the baby.
If all of these benefits are not enough for you, a course of prenatal massages is a great way to prepare for an easy labor because, in the third trimester, we focus on circulation, on your mobility in the pelvic region, and keeping inflammation and anxiety under control.
I can go on and on about the benefits of massage therapy so in the meantime, let’s look at positioning!
Another key difference between prenatal and regular massage is specific positioning. During a regular massage, the client will typically lie on their stomach. Well, why can’t you when you are pregnant? You can!
At Lansomatic, we provide the ability for you to lay face down all the way to 40 weeks with the help of special prenatal bolsters. Not only is this positing safe for you and the baby, but it also takes the pressure off your lower back by making that heavy belly float in the air while you get much-needed work on your back muscles. If you are too uncomfortable, we also have a comfy side lying set up. Our clients always ask us to come and set them up to sleep like that at night. Maybe we should start offering this service!
Last but not least - face up position. You guessed it - we have it. We use a 45* degree incline bolster for you to lay on, which prevents the baby from putting pressure on the vena cava (usually the reason you can’t lay flat on your back).
In conclusion, prenatal massage is a special type of massage tailored to the unique needs and concerns of pregnant women and their babies. It uses specific techniques, positioning, and focus on supporting the physical and emotional well-being of expecting mothers. Whether you are experiencing physical discomfort or emotional stress, prenatal massage can help you to feel better and more comfortable during your pregnancy.
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