When is the best time to get a prenatal massage?

This is a question we often get @mamassage_brooklyn in Prospect Heights! Folks often wonder when it is “safe” to get a prenatal massage, or when they may benefit from it the most. The truth is that there are so many reasons that massage therapy can be beneficial during pregnancy. There are some times where massage may be a contraindication, but for the most part, those are rare and only associated with high risk conditions (such as preeclampsia).

While many massage establishments may not “allow” clients to receive massage in the first trimester, there is no scientific basis or contraindication for massage in the first trimester. Massage does not, and cannot, cause a miscarriage. Massage can be beneficial in the first trimester to treat common symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and bodily discomforts. The massage therapist (MT) can work with positioning that feels comfortable and reduces the possible onset of nausea or lightheadedness. The massage approach overall will likely be more restorative.

In the second trimester, as your energy increases and you may begin to feel the musculoskeletal impact of muscle shifting and ligament strain, the most comfortable position is usually sidelying with many pillows for support. Your MT can work with more direct pressure to glutes, back, and shoulders, and may work with a lighter (manual lymph drainage) approach on the limbs to reduce swelling.

In the third trimester, as the symptoms of pregnancy are the most prominent, your MT will continue to address your musculoskeletal concerns with your preferred pressure and may even include stretches to release hip tension. As you approach the end of the third trimester, the MT can include acupressure to encourage labor.

The only “bad” time to get a massage when you are pregnant is if you aren’t feeling well- colds, fevers, etc. are contraindications for massage for all clients.

All this being said, we sometimes see clients late into their third trimester as their symptoms have become difficult to manage, or they are “up against the clock” to avoid induction. While we can treat you well at any time during your pregnancy, it is nice to establish the therapeutic relationship earlier on in the pregnancy when the stakes are lower and the approach is more for maintenance than emergency services. Listen to the whispers of your body before they become screams! But, even if your body / mind / spirit is screaming, come on in, and we will get you relaxed and reduce your physiological and psychological symptoms so you can feel better in your body throughout your pregnancy and into labor and postpartum.

Got questions? Feel free to email kiera@mamassage.org to ask if you have any concerns before booking a prenatal massage session at our Bergen Street location.