Pregnancy and Massage

CONSIDEration

Please check with your doctor PRIOR to receiving massage therapy to determine if massage therapy is safe and helpful for your pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Possibly consider starting massage therapy during the second trimester especially if you are experiencing frequent nausea or morning sickness

Intakes

Upon scheduling your first session, you will be sent two intakes, one general and one more prenatal massage specifically so that your massage therapist can be knowledgeable of your entire pregnancy history and condition. Please complete both before your first session.

Looking to use Massage Therapy during/after pregnancy? TRY A SERIES!

• Mama Bear Series is available for expecting mothers so you can get the massage without making your wallet sad! Choose between a series of 4, 6, or 8 sessions!
  Available in 60 or 90 minute sessions.

Contraindications for Prenatal massage:

• The following are pregnancy complications which are contraindications to massage, according to experts:

  • Pre-eclampsia: This condition, which develops after 20 weeks, can also damage blood vessels and cause stroke or even death. Massage may be performed in affected clients with a doctor’s permission, experts note.
    

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Check pregnant clients for DVT by looking for differences between the left and right legs, including swelling or heat in only one. If there is a DVT diagnosis or a positive screening, the massage should be postponed until it resolves.
    

  • Placenta problems (including previa, accreta or abruption): These rare conditions involving the placenta can lead to dangerous bleeding. The massage should be postponed unless a physician okays it.

• Based on the above complications, a doctors note will be required once diagnosed. It is the client’s responsibility to communicate all updates to health history to the Massage Therapist.

Session expectations

• Please complete both your general intake AND prenatal intake prior to your first session

• Please use the restroom prior to your session and try to limit water intake before arriving for your massage session

• Based on term and belly size, your LMT will be able to determine what kind of bolstering would best fit to provide maximum comfort

• Pressure will be based on your level of comfort and tolerance. Communication is key in this area; while your LMT may check in, please let your LMT know if you are experiencing any discomfort during your session

• For the massage session, your LMT will help you determine the best positioning for your body, whether that be on your back (supine), on your stomach (prone), or side-lying. Note: your LMT does have a specific bolster for pregnancy that allows for mama to lay on her stomach while keeping baby safely cushioned

• Draping is at the same level of modesty as any other massage therapy session, with mama’s comfort taken into account as well

• As with any condition, there are specific areas of caution that your LMT will have to avoid or carefully massage surrounding areas. During pregnancy, there are acupressure point spots that could induce labor, your LMT can teach you about these points so that you can also be mindful of them

• Please increase your water intake following your session as it will help with fluid movement and overall recovery

• Any other questions, please ask!

***Payment is collected when you schedule online***

Once you are booked, you will receive a link to fill out intake forms. I am legally required to have these completed prior to our session. Your information is confidential and falls under the protection of the Patient Privacy Act. I will not share your information unless subpoenaed. The forms can be filled out online – no need to print! If you don’t have access to a computer, you can use mine!

Refund Policy:
- All purchased services, gift cards, gift certificates, and products are non-refundable