Safe, Supportive Care During Pregnancy at Crave Wellness Massage Therapy

Prenatal Massage in Sherwood Park

Prenatal massage is a specialized form of massage therapy designed to safely support the physical and emotional changes that happen during pregnancy.

As your baby grows, your posture shifts, your ligaments soften, and your blood volume increases significantly. These normal adaptations can create back discomfort, muscle tension, swelling, and disrupted sleep. Prenatal massage is tailored to help reduce these symptoms while keeping both parent and baby safe.

At Crave Wellness Massage Therapy, prenatal treatments are provided by Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) trained in pregnancy-specific positioning and techniques.

What Is Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal massage is therapeutic massage specifically adapted for pregnancy. It focuses on reducing muscle tension, supporting circulation, and promoting relaxation while accommodating the structural and hormonal changes of pregnancy.

Unlike general massage, prenatal massage accounts for:

• Increased ligament laxity due to hormonal changes

• Postural and spinal adjustments

• Increased blood volume and circulatory demands

• Safe positioning that avoids lying flat on the back

Most treatments are performed in a supported side-lying position using bolsters to ensure comfort and safety.

Is Prenatal Massage Safe During Pregnancy?

For most uncomplicated pregnancies, prenatal massage is considered safe when performed by an RMT trained in pregnancy care.

Before treatment, a detailed health intake is completed. Massage may need to be modified or postponed in cases such as:

• High-risk pregnancy

• Pre-eclampsia

• Sudden or severe swelling

• Certain circulatory conditions

• History of preterm labour

If necessary, consultation with your healthcare provider may be recommended. Prenatal massage is supportive care and does not replace medical prenatal care.

When Can You Start Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal massage can be provided in all trimesters of an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Many clients begin in the second trimester, though treatment can be safely adapted during the first trimester when appropriate precautions are taken.

In the third trimester, massage often focuses on:

• Supporting hip and pelvic comfort

• Reducing lower back strain

• Relieving leg fatigue

• Encouraging relaxation before birth

Each session at our Sherwood Park clinic is tailored to your stage of pregnancy and current symptoms.

What Are the Benefits of Prenatal Massage?

Research suggests prenatal massage may help reduce common pregnancy-related discomforts and stress.

1. Lower Back and Pelvic Pain

As the uterus expands, the lower back and pelvis carry increased load. Hormonal changes can reduce joint stability, leading to muscular tension.

A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that massage therapy significantly reduced lower back and leg pain in pregnant participants compared to standard care.

(Field et al., 2009).https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19646762/

2. Leg Discomfort and Mild Swelling

Pregnancy increases blood volume by approximately 30 to 50 percent. Mild fluid retention is common.

A review in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology reported that massage therapy during pregnancy was associated with reduced leg pain and improvements in physical discomfort.

(Field, 2010).https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2870995/

When medically appropriate, gentle massage may help support circulation.

3. Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Changes

Pregnancy affects both the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system.

A 2021 systematic review found that prenatal massage was associated with reductions in stress, anxiety, depression, and cortisol levels compared to standard prenatal care.

(Huang et al., 2021).https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34441781/

Earlier research also demonstrated decreased cortisol and improved mood following regular prenatal massage sessions.

(Field et al., 2009).https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2870995/

Massage therapy encourages parasympathetic nervous system activity, which supports relaxation and restorative sleep.

What Happens During a Prenatal Massage Appointment?

At Crave Wellness Massage Therapy, your prenatal massage includes:

• A detailed health intake

• Side-lying positioning with supportive bolsters

• Pressure adjusted to your comfort level

• Ongoing communication throughout treatment

Sessions are customized based on your trimester, symptoms, and personal comfort.

If you are pregnant and experiencing back discomfort, muscle tension, swelling, or difficulty relaxing, prenatal massage may be a supportive addition to your prenatal care plan.

Crave Wellness Massage Therapy provides professional prenatal massage in Sherwood Park in a calm, welcoming clinic environment.

You can book your prenatal massage appointment online at www.cravewellnessmassage.ca and receive safe, attentive care close to home.