What do you wear to a pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy massage can be performed with as much or as little clothing as you're comfortable wearing – it's always a personal decision. Usually we recommend that you keep underwear on, and we use towels for coverage so only the parts that are being massaged are exposed.

What can you not do during a pregnancy massage?

To be safe, pregnancy massage experts avoid deep massage and strong pressure on the legs. Using strong pressure could dislodge a blood clot. Instead, they use very light, slow strokes on the legs.

What to expect when you get a massage while pregnant?

The therapist will avoid deep tissue massage here and instead use light, relaxing and long strokes which help circulation. If you would like your masseuse to massage your pregnant belly, this is possible, but it will again be gentle, using long strokes, designed to make you feel comfortable, womanly and at ease.

Is it OK for a pregnant woman to have a massage?

The answer is: Generally, yes. Massage therapy during pregnancy has been shown to provide many benefits, including a sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep. But certain techniques and trigger points in the body can cause contractions and premature labor, so seeking expertise is vital.

Do you lay down for a prenatal massage?

Some therapists will have you lay on your side and move you around as needed for comfort. Other therapists may offer to have you use a prenatal bolster that will allow you to lay face down. Both are great options and will depend on what the therapist has and how comfortable you are.

Pregnancy Draping ProHealthsys Vizniak

How much do you tip for prenatal massage?

Since tips are standard protocol for massage therapists, you should assume a 20 percent tip in any massage or spa treatment situation (unless a self-employed therapist specifically tells you their rate is all-inclusive).

How many minutes does a pregnancy massage take?

A 60 prenatal massage is appropriate, whereas 90 minutes or longer can be overdoing it for the comfort of the client. Prone-only sessions longer than 60 minutes are typically too long.

Where not to massage a pregnant woman back?

Can I get my legs massaged while pregnant?

Since pregnant women are at a higher risk of undetected or subtle thromboembolism, traditional leg massage in pregnant women should be contraindicated unless they are proven to have no such risk.

What should you not do during a massage?

What's different about a pregnancy massage?

Prenatal massage predominantly uses the Swedish massage technique, which focuses on long, sweeping strokes with only minimal pressure applied to the body. Deep tissue pressure, which is common in other therapeutic massages, won't be used as it could potentially be harmful to mother or baby.

What side should a pregnant woman lay on during a massage?

To ensure the safety and comfort of both mother and baby you will start lying on your left hand side with your head on a firm pillow.

How often should you get a massage during pregnancy?

As a general rule of thumb, prenatal massage can benefit you throughout your pregnancy with monthly appointments until around 27 weeks, then twice monthly appointments from around 27 weeks to 36 weeks, and weekly appointments from 36 weeks until you give birth.

Why should you not massage a pregnant woman's ankles?

The first was the “I heard massage on the ankles or specialized pressure points can cause a miscarriage”, some posters going so far as claiming it as fact. So let's look at that specific misinformation. It is NOT a fact. The whole ankle massage myth is based on Eastern medicine pressure points.

Why can't you rub a pregnant woman's feet?

While a foot massage sounds tempting, you might wonder if it's safe during pregnancy. There are concerns about pregnant women who've developed blood clots in their legs. Changes to your blood flow put you more at risk of them during pregnancy.

Can I get a foot massage while pregnant?

Reflexology massage is often used to soothe aches and pains in your feet and body during pregnancy.

How much do you tip for a massage?

We spoke to two etiquette experts, who suggested leaving a 15% to 20% tip, if you're able. Twenty percent is generous for the massage therapist and easy on the brain, which may be feeling more relaxed than ever after a massage. The math is straightforward. To find 20%, start by finding 10%, then double that amount.

What do you wear to a full body massage?

We advise that you wear something comfy and stretchy on the legs, e.g. leggings or joggers, and avoid wearing belts, jeans, trousers/shorts without any stretch or lots of pockets (unless you require deep tissue work on the legs, then shorts or underwear will be necessary).

Should I shave before a massage?

It is not important to shave before a massage. Your therapist doesn't care or even notice. The only exception to this rule is if you are having Kinesio Taping, then you must do it 24 hours in advance to avoid skin irritation. If less than 24 hours, use clippers only.

Do you wear your hair up for a massage?

Deciding to wear your hair up or down during a massage is up to you. The massage therapist can work around your hair with whatever option you choose. I find a lot of my clients with long hair wear it up while they are laying face down. After I turn them over, I request them to let it loose.

What parts of the body should you not massage?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.

Do you wear a bra for a full body massage?

Wearing a normal bra that is easily unclipped will allow the therapist to access your back. You can keep your bra on, but ideally you'll allow the therapist to unclip it, or you'll unclip it for them. Therapists can work around bra's if kept on, but it's not ideal.

How much do you tip on a $50 massage?

How much should you tip for a $50 massage? The standard tipping rate for a massage is 20%. So, for a $50 massage, you can tip $10. You can increase or lower your tip depending on how satisfied you are with their services.

Is $20 a good tip for massage?

In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you're wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you'd want to tip $20. If you're considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you'd still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated.

Is it OK to fall asleep during a massage?

First things first, it's ok to fall asleep during your massage! It's your body's way of getting into a deep relaxation, and a sign that you were due for some extra self-care time.