Valerie practices Prenatal Massage, also known as Pregnancy Massage in Hillsboro, OR. In 2020, Valerie Carsey completed her second full prenatal and postnatal massage course and earned her certificate in prenatal (pregnancy) and postnatal massage from Family Massage Education Center in Ashland, OR. Her first course in prenatal and postnatal massage was in 2019 from East West College of the Healing Arts from Portland, Or

Prenatal Massage is usually performed in a side lying position. The massage session is usually divided into two halves, with each side of the body receiving attention before the client rolls over.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Prenatal Massage offers numerous benefits tailored to pregnancy, including:

  • Stress reduction and relaxation
  • Relief from sciatica pain and other hip/pelvis pain
  • Relief from rib cage pain
  • Decrease swelling
  • Relief from pain having to do with the Round Ligament stretching
  • Acupressure for nausea

Cautions of Prenatal Massage

Working with a certified prenatal massage therapist who is trained to address common complications is important. Valerie ensures she’s informed about your medical history and may require additional communication with your healthcare provider. Complications may include geriatric pregnancy, a history of C-sections or miscarriages, and gestational diabetes. Preeclampsia is an absolute contraindication for massage due to potential risks to the mother’s health.

Recommended Prenatal Massage Schedule

Valerie recommends a tailored massage schedule:

  • Monthly massages from conception until the third trimester
  • Every other week massages during the third trimester until the last month
  • Weekly massages in the last month up until the 41st week

Labor Preparation Massage

Once “cleared” by the doctor for labor (typically between the 38th and 40th week), Valerie can incorporate techniques such as Acupressure points and hip techniques to prepare the body for labor.

Perineal Massage

While Valerie doesn’t perform perineal massage, she recommends pregnant mothers, often with their partners, to start perineal massage at home to soften the tissue between the vagina and anus, potentially reducing the risk of tearing during labor.

Common Myths About Prenatal Massage Debunked

Some of the myths/common questions Valerie has been asked regarding Prenatal Massage:

  • Can I get a massage within the first trimester? Yes. In fact up to about week ten it is usually safe to go in a face down position, though Valerie usually puts all expecting mothers in a side lying position, because it is the safest position for a massage when pregnant. Note: The contraindicated Acupressure points should still be avoided.
  • Is it safe to receive foot massage? Yes. Though, there are certain acupressure and reflexology points that are recommended to not press and hold for long durations of time. However, general rubbing or lymphatic drainage of the feet should be fine. 
  • Are there points that should not be touched during the massage? Yes. Certain acupressure or reflexology points are not recommended to be pushed and held for a long duration of time. General rubbing or CranioSacral holds should be fine.

Reference Articles/Studies