Like many women, my life is hectic. Balancing work, family, and personal time has always been challenging. I manage stress and chronic pain by practicing a self-care routine. Part of my routine was getting a massage once a month. A massage once a month provided a much-needed release of tension in my body, mental and physical.
Fast forward to the COVID-19 Pandemic and here I am pregnant just entering my third trimester. It has been five months since my last massage and the rapid changing of my body is creating all types of aches and pains. The loosening of ligaments during pregnancy is contributing to hip, leg, and pelvic pain. Not to mention the back pain due to weight gain. In desperate need of my regular rub-down routine, I decided it was time to book a massage.
Many expecting moms have never experienced a massage and might have a bit of apprehension trying something new at such a vulnerable state in your body.
This guide will give you some tips so you can go to your first treatment feeling relaxed and educated.
Before You Go To Your Appointment
Take some time to find the right massage therapist and location for you and your needs. Call to ask if they have training in prenatal massage. If you’ve never had a massage before, look for a therapist that is trained specifically in prenatal massage. My go-to place is The Green Spa & Wellness Center.
Before your appointment, you will be asked to fill out a series of health and COVID questions online. This information will assess any possible risks. They will also use this to tailor the massage to meet your needs. Some questions that might be on this form are:
Is this is your first pregnancy?
How many weeks into your pregnancy are you?
Have you had any complications?
Arriving At Your Appointment
Plan to arrive at your appointment 5 minutes before the scheduled time as instructed. the staff will let you know of any changes. I was told while the treatment would remain as normal as possible, there will be a couple of changes.
The spa may have a sanitizing station when you enter. Please make sure you take advantage of it for your health and safety.
A face mask must be worn at all times before, during, and after treatments.
During your quick check-in, you will be asked if there have been any health changes since you last filled out your COVID-19 form. (If this is your first visit the staff will give you a COVID-19 form to fill out.)
Your LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) will also be wearing a mask at all times.
Change in your treatment room. You may be told there would not be any waiting lounge congregation or changing services.
During my time in the spa, I didn’t encounter many other guests. The guests that I did encounter followed social distancing guidelines and wore face masks.
During Your Massage Treatment
If you have had a massage before you know that part of the treatment is done lying on your stomach. If youare past a certain point in your pregnancy that is not possible. The Therapist will have you lay on your side throughout the massage. They may use bolsters and pillows to support your body and keep you in a comfortable position.
I was asked which massage body oil I would like during my treatment. I chose Lavender for its relaxing benefits. They also offered a sanitizing blend called Legend Of The Spa Onguard. The therapist was able to reach all the areas of my body that needed attention. She focused on my lower back, hips, and legs as per my request. If you are having an issue with a particular area of your body let your therapist know, they should be able to focus on that particular area. During my massage, I was able to relax and almost fell asleep! It was amazing.
After Your Massage
After the massage, Your therapist will tell you to take some time and get dressed and then leave the room for privacy. You will want to stay hydrated to flush out any toxins that your body may have released during the massage.
The therapist may recommend some self-massage techniques and stretching to combat the aches and pains you are struggling with.
Exiting The Spa
Stop by the front desk to check out and process payment.
The staff member will remind you to please contact the spa immediately if you develop any signs or symptoms of Covid-19 within two weeks of your visit.
What Are You Waiting For?
I will be booking another massage before the end of my pregnancy and one for once I am cleared by my doctor after I give birth. I understand the benefits and it will help ease the uncomfortableness in my body as it adjusts and recovers from pregnancy and childbirth.
Pregnancy is an amazing and joyful experience but it can also be stressful and rough physically. Please remember to take some self-care time and schedule a prenatal massage. The positive effects of a massage can be passed to the baby as well by reducing your overall stress.
