As moms-to-be, we know you’ve got a lot on your plate. If you’re dealing with physical aches and pains or your mental health feels lower than normal, a prenatal massage can help. A Vancouver massage during your pregnancy can help you feel physically and emotionally better.
Unless you have other medical contraindications or unique risk factors, getting a massage during pregnancy is considered safe. Many moms-to-be enjoy massages as a medication-free approach to their health and wellness during pregnancy. It’s also an excellent complement to other natural therapies you may be doing, like acupuncture and pregnancy fitness routines.
Whether you’re looking to boost your fertility or support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery, we recommend Vancouver massage therapy clinics for prenatal massages!
Keep reading to learn about the powerful benefits of seeing a Vancouver massage therapist with prenatal massage experience.
Benefits of a Vancouver RMT for prenatal massage and moms-to-be
Getting an RMT massage during pregnancy can help you deal with pregnancy aches and pains and help calm your mind so you feel relaxed.
Here are five ways prenatal massage can help moms-to-be in Vancouver:
Relief from pregnancy aches and pains
Your body grows rapidly when you’re pregnant, which often leads to new aches and pains as your body learns to deal with the change in your weight distribution. These changes may trigger back pain and extra stress on your legs and joints.
An RMT massage can help relax any tense muscles and ensure your circulatory system functions optimally for your and your baby’s health.
Supports your mental health
Pregnancy is a beautiful thing to experience, but it’s not without its adverse effects on your mind and body. Hormonal and physical changes increase your chances of experiencing mental health struggles during pregnancy, including anxiety and prenatal depression.
Massages can significantly help regulate hormones, balance emotions, and promote positive mental wellbeing. Many moms-to-be feel mentally calmed and relaxed after their massage.
May reduce swelling
Carrying the extra weight of a growing baby in your belly can cause swelling in your joints, known as edema. This painful swelling is caused by increased pressure on your blood vessels, which reduces your circulation.
A prenatal massage encourages circulation and can stimulate the lymphatic system to flush unnecessary fluids stuck in swollen joints more efficiently.
Help you sleep better
Many women report struggles sleeping during pregnancy. Whether due to physical discomfort or pain or feeling stressed or worried, a massage is a helpful, drug-free way to help you sleep better.
RMT massages release endorphins (brain chemicals that help you feel happy and relaxed). They can improve your mental health and reduce insomnia. When sleep is eluding you due to physical aches and pains, massage can help calm your muscles so pain is reduced or minimized.
Promoting baby’s health and healthy delivery for moms-to-be
Mom’s health during pregnancy directly impacts the baby’s health. If your baby is at risk of low birth weight, studies have shown that prenatal massage can help support healthy birth weights in babies. Massages for moms-to-be may also support full-term births and a decrease in skin conditions, autoimmune conditions, and other health issues.
How is a prenatal massage different from a regular massage?
Whether you’ve had a massage pre-pregnancy or it’s your first time, getting one during pregnancy isn’t too different from a regular massage. The benefits are similar, but how the massage is performed is different.
Depending on how far along you are, you won’t be able to lie on your front, so the massage can be performed as you lie on your side or sitting upright. Your RMT can provide extra pillows and supports so you’re comfortable.
Your RMT will also perform a lighter-pressure massage, usually firm to medium pressure. The gentle techniques will feel more like gentle kneading rather than deeper tissue massage. Communicate with your RMT to find the right pressure to relieve your aches and pains.
Why get a prenatal massage now?
If getting rid of pregnancy aches and pains isn’t enough, don’t forget that there are other reasons why you should get a massage right now.
One is a benefit for those with health plans that include massage therapy. Book your end-of-the-year massage therapy appointments now to take advantage of those unused benefits.
Another reason is that massages can help you better manage holiday stress. If you’re pregnant and your hormones and emotions are already heightened, don’t wait for the additional stresses of the holiday to pile up. Book regular massages throughout the holidays to take a break from the busyness of the season.
If you’re looking for a relaxing prenatal massage in Vancouver, consider Oceana Massage. Our team of registered massage therapists and bodyworkers are dedicated to helping you through a healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Book your next prenatal massage at Oceana today through our convenient online booking system.