Why are Prenatal Massages More Expensive?

Pregnancy massage is a sort of massage treatment created exclusively for expecting women. Prenatal massage is another name for it. Pregnancy massage can help with some of the aches and pains but why is it so costly?

Why is prenatal massage more expensive? A prenatal massage is more expensive because of the extra care a pregnant woman needs. The techniques involved, equipment, and even the way they are perched or lied down should be handled with care, resulting in costing more.

However, that’s not all. Other reasons for it being expensive are:

Removing toxins from the body
Increased flexibility
More relaxing sleep
Boosting immune system
Weariness reduction
Increasing blood flow

Pain Reduction:

Some patients experience low back, pelvic, neck, shoulder, or sciatic nerve pain as the abdomen expands due to the tension on their joints and muscles.

Professional prenatal massage therapy might help to alleviate this discomfort. Studies have shown it to help with leg and back pain during pregnancy.

Swelling is reduced:

Edema, or swelling, is also common during pregnancy. Because the developing uterus puts pressure on the veins in the legs, the fluid buildup is more noticeable in the legs, ankles, and feet.

More Restful Sleep:

Due to physical discomfort, tension, and anxiety, sleeping problems are prevalent at all stages of pregnancy. Massage may help you get rid of insomnia during pregnancy.

Is it safe to get a prenatal massage?

Studies have shown prenatal massages to be safe for women who have normal pregnancies with no significant issues. Working with a massage therapist who is trained and qualified in pregnancy massages is essential.

These experts have the training and experience to develop safe, comfortable, and nurturing sessions for you. A maternity massage isn’t something you’ll want to schedule every week. Instead, it’s ideal to do it a couple of times during pregnancy.

A qualified prenatal massage therapist is familiar with a pregnant woman’s uncomfortable and swollen places and may provide relief. They’ll also know which strategies to avoid and which regions to stay away from.

Carrying a baby alters your center of gravity and puts a lot of strain on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, making your pelvic joints less stable, as well as altering your posture by dragging your pelvis forward.

When you add in the extra weight you’re carrying, you can find yourself with a sore lower back.

In this article, we will discuss:

Is prenatal massage covered by insurance?
What type of insurance covers prenatal massage?
What can I do if my insurance doesn’t cover prenatal massage?

Is Prenatal Massage Covered by Insurance?

You should not have to pay anything for routine prenatal care if you see a clinician on the list of providers your health insurance helps pay for (or “your network”).

If the provider is not part of your insurance network, your insurer won’t cover the fees. And the cost of all those tests and appointments can quickly mount. That’s why, before your first consultation, we recommend contacting your health insurance provider.

You can check if your preferred health care provider, such as a doctor or a midwife, is part of your network.

What is the Cost of a Prenatal Massage?

Depending on where you reside, an hour-long session can cost anywhere from $60 to $150. Next, examine your health-care benefits: If you can receive a prescription from your midwife or doctor for a medical reason, such as back pain, some plans will pay a portion of the cost of a massage.

Most pregnant ladies would like to have a prenatal massage for relaxation and pain relief. Therefore let’s have a look at insurance for prenatal massages.

What Type of Insurance Covers Prenatal Massage?

Specific insurance policies cover prenatal massage. But, insurance companies are not in the habit of covering therapies that are deemed dangerous.

Most insurance plans don’t support pregnancy massage, but some do. It is a good thing considering the cost of a 30- to 60-minute prenatal massage can range from $60 to $100 or more, depending on your region and the facility.

What Can I Do If My Insurance Does not Cover Prenatal Massage?

Massage therapy during pregnancy is an integral part of many people’s treatment plans for chronic pain.

As the country grapples with an opioid epidemic, it’s become even more critical to acknowledge massage as a pain-relieving technique. But, like non-opioid medicines and therapeutic massage, alternative approaches are being used by doctors, midwives, and patients.

But, when it comes to prenatal massage, how can you be sure that your health insurance will cover it?

There’s no assurance that your insurance will cover prenatal massage therapy, but following these guidelines can help:

First, call to see whether your insurance covers prenatal massage therapy.

There are a few key questions to ask your insurance provider. First, call the customer support number to speak with a person (usually on the back of your insurance card).

For example:

My medical doctor has written me a prenatal medical (or therapeutic) massage prescription. How do I know if a service is covered under my plan?

What else does my prescription need to include?
Will my insurance pay for my prenatal massage therapy diagnosis?
Are there any restrictions on the number of visits or the length of each stay?
Where can I get a prenatal massage that is covered by my insurance?
Is the certified massage therapist exclusively at that location or facility in-network with my plan?

Obtain a prescription by informing your doctor that you want massage therapy.

Let’s say you’re suffering from muscle discomfort and believe that massage treatment can help you relax and ease muscle tension and pain when you’re pregnant. Tell your doctor everything that’s going on.

Your doctor may be willing to prescribe prenatal massage, depending on your situation. Licensed therapeutic massage is non-addictive and safe, and medical evidence constantly backs it up as a pain-relieving treatment.

Obtain a prescription that does not specify the frequency or quantity of massages if at all possible.

A prescription that specifies the number of prenatal massages required or the number of massages you should receive each week does not necessarily result in the optimum treatment plan.

When registered massage therapists meet with patients, their purpose isn’t merely to provide treatment but also to figure out why they are in pain. So they’ll look at behaviors like crossing one’s legs in a certain way that could be changed to avoid pain.

When Should You Receive a Prenatal Massage?

If your doctor or midwife approves, you can get a prenatal massage at any time during your pregnancy. Because of the higher chance of miscarriage in the first trimester, some massage therapists will not see pregnant women until the second trimester.

However, there is no evidence or reason to believe that receiving prenatal massage during the first trimester increases your chances of miscarriage. At every stage of pregnancy, your massage therapist should assist you in becoming more comfortable.

However, lying facedown may be complicated right away because of your delicate, enlarged breasts. And once your belly has started to grow, you won’t be able to lie facedown on a standard massage table.

You can support yourself by lying on your side using pillows, wedges, or a full-length body pillow. In addition, some prenatal massage therapists utilize a customized table or pad with hollowed regions. It also has cushions to accommodate your belly and breasts while lying facedown.

When Should You Avoid Getting a Massage While Pregnant?

As with any new therapy, consult your doctor or midwife before arranging a pregnant massage session. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, take extra precautions, such as:

Preterm labor is more likely.
Preeclampsia, or high blood pressure, is a condition that affects pregnant women.
Clots in the blood or a clotting problem
Placental abnormalities, such as placenta previa

Final Thoughts

Your health insurance may cover massages medically required or ordered by your doctor. However, even if your health insurance covers massage, there may be a cap on how much you can spend during the policy’s term.

Check with your insurance company before receiving a massage to see if it’s covered. Also, find out if physiotherapy from chiropractors or other relevant professionals is covered or isn’t covered as a massage.

Now it’s time to hear from you:

Does your insurance cover prenatal massages?

What’s the rate of prenatal massage in your area?

How did you feel after it?

Share your experience with us in the comments section below!