Prenatal Massage

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Pregnancy is a period of transformation and development for a woman's body. Some of these changes can be challenging and, at times, uncomfortable for the expectant mother. A highly effective way to alleviate pain and reduce stress during this time is through a Prenatal Massage Session at Aura Massage and Skincare. Massage has been a trusted practice for thousands of years, offering relief from stress, muscle relaxation, and overall health improvement—and this holds true during pregnancy. While the fundamental benefits of massage therapy remain consistent, prenatal massage involves specialized techniques to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. With a few necessary precautions and open communication between the mother and the massage therapist, there is minimal to no risk to either. It is crucial for prospective guests to inquire whether the massage therapist has specific training in prenatal massage.

Multiple studies, including one conducted by the University of Miami School of Medicine, have outlined the advantages of Prenatal Massage. These benefits include reduced anxiety, alleviated back and leg pain, enhanced sleep quality, lowered levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine, heightened levels of serotonin and dopamine, decreased cortisol levels (a stress indicator prevalent in depressed pregnant individuals), and an overall improvement in mood.

In a Prenatal Massage Session at Aura Massage and Skincare, expectant guests will lie on their side instead of the stomach, as often done in many traditional forms of massage. To enhance your comfort, the Massage Therapist will provide additional pillows or sheets. If you require anything specific, feel free to ask.

The type of massage an expectant mother receives varies depending on the stage of her pregnancy. As a general guideline, the further along in the pregnancy, the gentler and less intense the massage becomes. The focus is often on a technique known as Effleurage, a Swedish massage method translating to "touch lightly." This approach enables the Massage Therapist to employ gentle, gliding strokes to calm larger body areas or address specific concerns without exerting excessive pressure. For areas like the shoulders and legs, the Massage Therapist may utilize the deep Effleurage method, applying slightly more pressure to stretch and expand muscle tissue. This therapy is both calming and prepares the muscles for deeper massage techniques if needed.

As each pregnancy is unique, we mandate that all expecting guests be in their second trimester or beyond and consult with a physician before scheduling a Prenatal Massage.