Massage Therapy

Kari Marble, MA, ERYT, RPYT, CMT, CIIM, massage therapist, yoga teacher, infant massage

Massage during pregnancy has been shown to decrease depression, anxiety, back pain, and leg pain. Studies have also shown that massage can lower excessive fetal activity and the risk of premature birth; decrease cortisol levels; shorten labor; and minimize the need for medication during labor. If you don’t believe us, here’s the science. Now share it with your partner and thank us later. 

Massage can also help you feel great relief and more relaxed and comfortable, enabling you to feel more positive, capable, and connected with your baby. To learn more, you can check out Carole Osborne’s book Pre- & Perinatal Massage Therapy.

Can I visit any massage therapist? How is prenatal massage different than a traditional massage?

Some massage therapists specialize in treating clients throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period. Far beyond just knowing how to position the body appropriately during a given trimester, these practitioners really understand what happens to the body during pregnancy and postpartum. They understand and have experience with conditions that arise during this time of life (e.g. hip and low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck tension, calf cramps, poor sleep, and digestive challenges) and use appropriate techniques to address them. They know where and when to work more gently or more deeply and know how to position and drape your body appropriately.

After 13 weeks, you will no longer lie face down (unless using special wedges), so massage will be side lying and supine (on your back). After around 22 weeks of pregnancy, you will usually have time on each side and then semi-reclining while elevated by wedges/pillows.

Some therapists also know how to work pressure points to help stimulate labor once you are full-term. For my clients, I have a "get in the mood and bring it on" birth prep/labor stimulation massage, which includes acupressure along with breath, visualization, and vocalization techniques to help you practice mental focus, inner steadiness, and relaxation through strong sensation. 

When can I start booking?

Most massage therapists welcome you after the first trimester, when the risk of miscarriage has diminished. Experienced pre/postnatal therapists that offer massage in the first trimester work more moderately, especially around the low back and sacrum, to support safe space for the newly developing baby. Some massage therapists and studios will request a doctor’s note clearing the birthing person for massage if in first trimester.

Is prenatal massage covered by insurance?

Some insurances do cover massage therapy, so it’s always good to check. You can also usually use FSA/HSA accounts to pay for sessions. Most people, however, pay out of pocket.