Looking for Prenatal Massage in Waterloo Region?

Prenatal Massage at Embark

While pregnant, taking out time to take care of yourself is very important for both the mom-to-be and baby. Receiving a prenatal massage is one way to do this that is relaxing, but also can have many added benefits throughout pregnancy, during labor and on your postpartum journey as well. 

Prenatal massage differs from a regular massage even though much of the relaxation notions overlap. This is because it addresses the difficult symptoms experienced by expecting mothers and positions them in a supportive position for them and baby.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Research suggests that receiving a prenatal massage and performing perineal exercises can contribute to a shorter duration of labor, allowing women to have to push for a lesser amount of time. This also means that there is a significant reduction in the rates of needing an episiotomy or having perineal tearing, leading to a quicker postpartum recovery and less frequent postpartum complications such as infections. 

In addition to the labor and postpartum benefits, during pregnancy, prenatal massage can assist with physical health by reducing back and leg pain, improving sleep, improving circulation, increasing muscle and tissue oxygenation, and strengthening the immune response keeping both mom and baby more safe. 

Overall health and wellbeing are also positively impacted by prenatal massage as it can increase serotonin and dopamine levels (mood hormones) thus, reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. Norepinephrine and cortisol levels (stress hormones) are also reduced with prenatal massage therefore, decreasing stress levels. Having more regulated hormone levels during pregnancy also contributes to fewer complications arising during and after labor.

Is Prenatal Massage Right for You?

Prenatal massages are generally considered to be safe after the first trimester. However, just as any other therapeutic treatment during pregnancy, women who are pregnant should discuss if prenatal massage is right for them with their prenatal care provider such as their obstetrician-gynaecologist (OBGYN) or midwife. 

It is also important to seek out an appropriate massage therapist who is aware of how to position you properly to prevent strain on uterine ligaments. At Embark Physical Therapy, our registered massage therapists (RMTs) will have you lie on your left side to ensure a safe position for you and baby. In the case that this does not feel comfortable, our RMTs also offer a pregnancy pillow which provides a comfortable space for your baby bump on the massage bed. Both of these positions prevent strain on the uterine ligaments, keeping you and baby both safe.

There is a common misconception that having a massage could negatively affect the pregnancy or induce preterm labor however, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to actually suggest this. Prenatal massage is a safe therapeutic technique with several physical and mental health benefits as long as it is performed correctly, and you have been cleared by your prenatal care provider.

Ready to Book Your Prenatal Massage Therapy Appointment?

At Embark Physical Therapy, we invite you to explore the benefits of prenatal massage therapy and how they pertain to you. If you are ready to embark on this part of your journey, we are here to help! 

References

American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.) Prenatal massage therapy. American Pregnancy 

Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/prenatal-massage/

Donaldson-Evans, C. (2021). Prenatal massage. What to Expect. 

https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/prenatal-massage/

Mueller, S. M., & Grunwald, M. (2021). Effects, side effects and contraindications of relaxation 

massage during pregnancy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(16), 3485-. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10163485

Nikita Loonaich, Shaveta Jain, & Pushpa Dahiya. (2025). Impact of prenatal perineal massage 

and pelvic floor relaxing exercises on obstetric outcome: A prospective randomized controlled trial. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 16(4), 72–77. https://doi.org/10.71152/ajms.v16i4.4452

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Written by Celeena George, BSc – Health Sciences