Prenatal massage is also called pregnancy massage or maternity massage. It is a massage that focuses on pregnant women and the changing needs of their bodies. Using specialty bolsters and pillows, extra training, and techniques, we can make it safe to receive a massage while pregnant throughout your ENTIRE pregnancy. We can focus on areas like the hips, glutes and low back as those take the brunt of a lot of the changes in the body. Each massage is tailored to what your body needs at the time you come in for your service.

Most importantly, each of our therapists has had extensive training in prenatal massage and each massage is tailored to the client. We don’t treat you as if you are fragile and can do a deeper pressure if that is your preference, in most cases. We also have specialized orthopedic body support cushions that adjust to accommodate your growing belly and breasts throughout your pregnancy. At Maternal Massage, we have the knowledge and the experience to provide the best care for you throughout each stage of pregnancy. We also keep a cooler room temperature than most spas, as we know pregnancy raises the body’s temperature! We have a whole team of great massage therapists, all trained in prenatal so you can choose who fits your needs the best, while feeling safe and relaxed. 

Although this will vary for every woman, we generally recommend you do it in conjunction with your prenatal OB/Midwife visits. This would mean that you get a massage once per month until you are 27 weeks along. At that point we would encourage bi-weekly massages until you hit 36 weeks and then weekly until you give birth. Many people choose to do every other week throughout their pregnancy and right on through postpartum. We can work with you to recommend a program that fits your needs.

Nope! We use special orthopedic pillows that adjust to your belly and breasts throughout the pregnancy. These enable you to lie facedown comfortably and safely during the massage, they are also very supportive to your belly and can ease the strain on your round ligaments. Many massage clinics will offer prenatal massage but only side lying. While we can do that if it’s more comfortable, you are able to lay facedown during your massage with us, at any point in your pregnancy (yes, even at 40 weeks!) We also use a wedge pillow so you are also able to lay on your back safely when flipped over.

Yes! When working with a trained professional, the APA states that prenatal massage is safe to receive once a week throughout your whole pregnancy, from first trimester, until 42 weeks. 

While there is unfortunately no magic button to help labor begin, we do our best to prepare your body for labor. The main difference in this massage is that we utilize Clary Sage Essential Oil, spend time on acupressure points, and work into the hips, pelvis, and sacrum.

If you deliver vaginally, we recommend coming in for your first postpartum massage within five to ten days after giving birth. 

If you have a C-section, please wait 4-6 weeks to give your incision time to heal OR have a doctor's note.

We have two locations: Millcreek, and Provo (within The Utah Birth Center). Please be aware that our Esthetic services AND Couples massages can ONLY be performed in SALT LAKE. 

There are very few things you cannot do during a prenatal massage but you may have heard of a few “myths” that can be a little scary. Let’s address those: a foot massage will not put you into labor, we can use firm/deep pressure, we can massage you during the first trimester, and you can lie facedown (with special supports, which we use). Please consult your doctor before scheduling if you are experiencing any of the issues listed at the top of this page. 

It can never hurt to speak with your provider beforehand, if that makes you feel the most comfort and ease. We are confident working with almost every pregnant woman. However, if you have certain high-risk conditions that can be inflamed by increased blood flow we do recommend speaking with your prenatal doctor. If you have any questions about this, please ask one of our therapists when booking your appointment. Please see the ABOVE list of contraindications, when to cancel or reschedule, and when you need a doctor's note. 

Massage supports a healthy pregnancy and does not cause miscarriage or induce preterm labor, these are MYTHS. However, there are special considerations and prenatal massage should ONLY be performed by a therapist with extensive training and certifications.

No! While there are specific acupressure points that may help to get labor going, this only happens when your body and your baby are already ready to start labor. We also avoid direct firm pressure on these points, unless you are getting a labor stimulation/prep massage. Think of the pressure that you are applying on your feet while walking and wearing shoes, that is no different than what we apply during a prenatal massage. 

If you are new to our clinic, and especially new to massage, we recommend starting out with a 75 minute Introductory massage (just let us know in the notes how far along you are, or how far out postpartum). Please DO NOT book a 120 minute massage your first time with us, or it will be changed to a 90 minute. Massage can have different effects on each individual person, and we want to ensure your body is not overloaded your first time in.

Absolutely not! Although the majority of our clients are pregnant, we also treat moms postpartum as well as dads. Massage is beneficial to everyone through all stages of life, and we provide care for anyone who needs it. Some of our therapists have extensive training in deep tissue, sports and other modalities as well. Just ask when booking. Finding a massage therapist that works well and knows your body can be challenging for some people, so we see some women several years after they have their baby, in our mind postpartum is forever!

At this time we do not bill insurance, however, if your plan uses a health savings account (HSA) or flex spending account, you can use those to pay for the massage. While we don’t require a note of medical necessity, your insurance company may want one from your physician.

A health savings account (HSA) or flex spending account can be used to pay for the massage. While we don’t require a note of medical necessity, your insurance company may want one from your physician. Please verify with your company for specific requirements.

When you call to book your appointment, or book online, we will need to know how far along you are and if you have any high risk issues with your pregnancy. Please put that information in the notes.