As an experienced maternity, newborn, and family photographer, I know all too well the challenges soon-to-be moms face when nearing their due dates. Finding moments of relaxation and care for your body is essential when preparing for childbirth; the best solution is prenatal massages. These massages offer a beautiful way to reduce discomfort and stress and prepare your body for childbirth.
If you’re in Columbus, Ohio, you’re fortunate to have a variety of amazing massage therapists and spas dedicated to providing prenatal care. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of prenatal massage and highlight some of the best locations in the city to indulge in this nurturing experience.
What is a prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage is a specialized form of massage tailored to the unique needs of pregnant women. Unlike traditional massages, it’s designed to address the specific physical and emotional concerns of pregnant women. Pregnancy shifts your body’s center of gravity, adding strain on your back, neck, and shoulders, leading to back pain, joint stiffness, and muscle tension. However, the techniques of this massage are expertly adapted to reduce these issues by improving circulation, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
To make the massage experience even more enjoyable for expecting mothers, massage therapists use special tables, full-length body pillows, and wedges or encourage you to lean on your side with pillows.
Benefits of prenatal massages
Getting a prenatal massage during any term of your pregnancy has many benefits for soon-to-be moms. Studies have shown that these are the most common discomforts that are effectively addressed by getting prenatal massages.
Reduces Swelling
A widespread symptom of pregnancy is swollen feet, legs, and hands. This is often caused by increased blood volume and pressure on circulation. However, prenatal massages can help stimulate blood flow, reduce fluid retention in the limbs, and alleviate discomfort associated with swelling.
Relieves lower back pain
The effort of carrying a baby (or babies) in your body for months on end leads to changes in posture and weight distribution, which in turn leads to lower back pain, including sciatica. Prenatal massage therapy targets tense muscles to improve blood circulation and provide relief from this common pregnancy discomfort.
Enhances sleep quality
As your pregnancy progresses, disturbances in your sleep can become more and more frequent. Getting a massage prior to your labour promotes relaxation, reduces stress hormones, and induces a sense of calm, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
Prepares you for labor
Regular prenatal massage can help prepare your body for labor and delivery. These massages improve muscle tone and flexibility and have benefits that can contribute to a better birthing experience. Studies have shown that women who receive prenatal massage may experience shorter labor times, reduced pain, and a decreased risk of postpartum depression.
Provides natural pain relief
Since pregnancy can be complicated and painful most of the time, studies have shown that women who receive prenatal massage may experience shorter labor times, reduced pain during labor, and a decreased risk of postpartum depression.
Decreases chances of prenatal depression and infant health risks
Often, mothers who suffer from prenatal depression have a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth rate. However, with proper mental care and regular prenatal massages, you can effectively achieve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Now that we have talked about benefits, let’s find you a place to experience this!
Five prenatal massage locations in Columbus, Ohio.
Fortunately for me and expecting mothers in Columbus, Ohio, there are many options when searching for the best prenatal massages near me. Here are some of our choices if you are searching for a massage parlor in your area.
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- Hand and Stone
Hand and Stone is a renowned massage parlor that offers many packages and services, including facials, hair removal, and, of course, prenatal massages. Found in many locations, including Columbus, Ohio, Hand And Stone only employs specially certified massage therapists to provide the very best service. As the massage is targeted at expecting mothers, Hand And Stone promises a “lighter touch than the traditional Swedish Massage.”
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- Stile Salon and Spa
Located at 3981 Easton Way, Columbus, Ohio, Stiles is a luxury boutique day spa and salon. Its convenient location is perfect for busy mothers who want to squeeze in a relaxing prenatal massage in the middle of shopping or running errands. After getting a soothing massage, you can also add other spa services for extra pampering.
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- Elements Massage
Another excellent option for prenatal massages is Elements Massage. This spa is renowned for its customized massages tailored to individual needs performed caringly by trained professionals. Elements Massage can be found in two convenient locations in Ohio – Dublin and Easton.
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- Massage Envy
A Massage Envy prenatal massage is a trendy choice amongst expecting mothers in Ohio. Found in three convenient locations in Ohio – Columbus, Hilliard, and Grove City – Massage Envy offers a wide range of prenatal massage options, including couple’s massages. In order to be more affordable and accessible, this massage parlor boasts inexpensive spa memberships and flexible hours. This makes massages even more accessible to working mothers.
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- Columbus Pregnancy Massage
Columbus offers extremely helpful and medically conscious spas – making this a perfect option for expectant mothers who are high-risk or susceptible to nausea very quickly. At your first visit, your medical history is taken into account. During your massage, trained professionals use high-quality, organic massage creams in addition to avoiding the use of scented candles. In addition to providing prenatal massages, Columbus also offers services like Swedish massages, postpartum massages, and fertility massages.
Final Words
By visiting a “prenatal massage near me,” you can effectively nurture yourself and your baby during pregnancy. Investing time in self-care through prenatal massage can contribute to a healthier pregnancy, smoother labor, and a strong start for your newborn. Part of my mission as a maternity, newborn, and family photographer in Ohio is to support expectant mothers throughout their journey, even by providing information on effective prenatal care.
So book your prenatal massage today using the above options and guarantee a happier pregnancy.
