Pregnancy can be a wonderful time for any expecting mom, but it can also be extremely stressful, especially to first-time moms. Stress during pregnancy can have a negative effect on the health of a woman as well as her baby, so prevention or reduction of stress is incredibly important. What better way to reduce stress than to take time to yourself and get a relaxing massage?

Not only is massage great for relaxation, it can also be an effective treatment for common pregnancy ailments such as sciatic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and other forms of nerve compression, swelling, joint pain, itchiness, difficulty sleeping and general discomfort.

Overall, perinatal massage is not much different than any other massage treatment. Your therapist will go through a consultation with you to determine your needs, understand any health conditions you may have and possibly even do some assessment before the massage begins. The difference is that the assessment, treatment plan and massage are adapted to ensure your safety while your body is in a state of change. Your therapist will also position you differently on the table using bolsters and pillows to reduce pressure and make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Though it is a common concern, there is no evidence to show that massage has potentially dangerous or negative effects when applied during pregnancy if it is adapted properly. Perinatal massage is not meant to be invasive, so if you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the treatment, all you have to do is tell your therapist who will gladly make adjustments to ensure your comfort and safety. If you’re still hesitant, you can always discuss it with your OB/GYN to be sure that there are no contraindications which would pose a risk to you or your baby.

If you are interested in booking a massage, you can do so online or by calling (204)-415-1587.

Randi Nowicki RMT, CIMI