Pregnancy is one of the most physically demanding experiences a body can go through. As your body changes week by week, discomfort can show up in unexpected places — your lower back, hips, legs, and shoulders all bear the load of a growing baby. Prenatal massage is one of the most effective, drug-free ways to find relief throughout your pregnancy.
At Handled With Care Massage Therapy in Golden, CO, prenatal massage is one of our specialties. Here’s what you need to know before booking your first session.
Is Prenatal Massage Safe?
For most pregnancies, yes — prenatal massage is considered safe and beneficial. That said, we always recommend letting your OB or midwife know you’re planning to receive massage therapy, particularly if you have a high-risk pregnancy, history of preterm labor, or any pregnancy complications.
At Handled With Care, your therapist will review your health history before every session. Your safety and your baby’s safety are always the first consideration.
Generally, prenatal massage is most commonly performed during the second and third trimesters, though first trimester sessions may be appropriate depending on your situation. We’ll talk through your specific circumstances before we begin.
What Does a Prenatal Massage Session Look Like?
Comfort is everything during a prenatal session. Rather than lying face-down on the table, you’ll be positioned on your side with supportive bolsters and pillows to keep you and your baby comfortable throughout the session.
Your therapist will work with you to identify the areas causing the most discomfort — whether that’s the lower back, hips, legs, or neck and shoulders — and focus the session accordingly. Pressure is adjusted to be safe and effective for pregnancy, avoiding specific areas and techniques that are contraindicated during prenatal care.
Sessions typically run 60 minutes, though we can accommodate different timeframes based on your needs and comfort level.
What Are the Benefits of Prenatal Massage?
Research supports prenatal massage as an effective tool for managing the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy. Benefits include:
- Reduced lower back and hip pain — among the most common complaints during the second and third trimesters
- Decreased swelling — gentle massage supports circulation and can help reduce edema in the legs and feet
- Better sleep — many clients report significantly improved sleep quality following prenatal sessions
- Reduced anxiety and stress — pregnancy can be emotionally taxing; massage supports the nervous system and promotes a sense of calm
- Headache relief — hormonal changes during pregnancy frequently trigger tension headaches that massage can help address
Who Performs Prenatal Massage at Handled With Care?
Two of our therapists specialize in prenatal massage at Handled With Care.
Sara Schaub, LMT brings specialized training in prenatal massage along with a background in sports massage and deep tissue work. Sara understands how to work effectively with a body under significant physical demand — and how to adapt her approach for the unique needs of pregnancy.
Rita K, LMT offers the widest range of modalities on our team and brings extensive experience working with prenatal clients. Her broad skillset means she can draw from multiple techniques to address whatever is most uncomfortable for you at each stage of your pregnancy.
Both therapists work closely with each client to ensure every session feels safe, comfortable, and genuinely helpful. When booking, you’re welcome to request either therapist or let us match you based on availability.
Ready to Book Your Prenatal Massage?
If you’re pregnant and dealing with back pain, swelling, poor sleep, or just the general exhaustion of growing a human — we’d love to help. We serve expecting mothers throughout the Golden, Lakewood, Arvada, and Denver West areas.