Pregnancy Symptoms by Trimester

Pregnancy affects a woman’s body physically and emotionally for the entire cycle. Even women who have had other pregnancies experience the changes to some degree. Each trimester presents unique challenges with which a woman must cope. Massage therapy is one way to manage some of the uncomfortable changes and create a more pleasant experience for the new mom.

First Trimester Symptoms

During the first three months, many changes happen and the first-time mother may struggle to deal with them. The baby is rapidly developing and will begin to move around eight weeks. You may have blood tests near the end of the first trimester to determine the genetic health of the baby. These and other symptoms can increase your anxiety level.
By the end of the first month, nausea (morning-sickness) can kick in. At six weeks, the body changes become more pronounced and at seven weeks, mood swings start to occur. The first trimester is full of unknowns and your anxiety level can be high.

First Trimester Massage Solutions

With anxiety, nausea and mood swings, a gentle, relaxing massage is recommended. Swedish massage is one style that focuses on relaxing your mind and body to remove the stress of hormonal changes. It is a safe massage to use during the first trimester when miscarriage is a risk. Make sure your therapist is trained in pregnancy massage and knows the limitations.

Second Trimester Symptoms

At six months the baby is growing quickly and you may suddenly feel much heavier. The nausea goes away and you may find yourself full of energy. You may begin retaining water and find that your ankles and feet are swollen. Leg cramps are common during the second trimester. Your appetite increases. Lower back pain may occur because of the extra weight you are carrying for the baby.

Second Trimester Massage Solutions

Massage of the soft tissues helps to move fluid out of the joints back into the circulatory system. This reduces swelling and helps remove waste products from the muscles and tissues. Massage of the leg and back muscles relieves the tension. As your body changes, treat yourself to a gentle spa treatment to improve the outlook of your own body.

Third Trimester Symptoms

The third semester is like the last stretch for a marathon runner. You’re tired and anxious for it to be over. You’re also anxious about being prepared for having this baby. Your body obviously looks pregnant, which can cause more stress. Your back pain may continue and you may feel more clumsy as fatigue sets in. This is also the time when mood swings become pronounced because of the hormonal changes before birth.

Third Trimester Massage Solutions

Massage therapy has been shown to reduce the stress hormones, such as norepinephrine and cortisol, in the body. It also increases the “happy” hormones, dopamine and serotonin. This change in hormones has been shown to reduce birth complications. The emotional swings also level off more with massage.

Sciatic nerve issues from the weight of the baby on the lower back are reduced by muscle massage. Lower back and leg pain can be reduced dramatically. Leg cramps are reduced by releasing tension on the nerves.

Massage as a Part of Pregnancy

Therapeutic massage is a way to cope with uncomfortable symptoms you will have during pregnancy. While your first thoughts are on the baby, you need to keep yourself healthy, both physically and mentally. Take the time to take care of yourself so you will have the best experience during this pregnancy.

Matrix Spa & Massage Customer Reviews

 

My first time visiting Matrix and I somehow booked the wrong service, but I'm not even mad about it! (I booked Thai massage online but when I got there,...

Kelly C.
Kelly C.

3 years ago

This spa was amazing! A group of us went there this past Friday for a Bachelorette Party! This is the only spa in SLC that has any packages or deals for a...

Brynn P.
Brynn P.

6 years ago

Came here for recovery after 2 days of skiing. We had a really nice time. The sensory experience was so cool and they had a sauna, steam shower, cold tub and massage chairs. Definitely recommend!!

Ryan Kauchak
Ryan Kauchak
7 days ago

Amazing experience. Very small but has all of the amenities of a large facility. Cold tub, steam sauna, infrared sauna, traditional sauna, and full sensory experience.

kameron hensley
kameron hensley
7 days ago

This place is a hidden gem! The staff were all very kind. They legit pamper you throughout your whole stay! It’s amazing! This is the prefect place to go for some relaxation. The hydro circuit was such a cool experience. I would highly recommend checking them out!I would highly suggest paying with cash, they charge a 3% fee for cards which I thought was kind of ridiculous 😭

M T
M T
9 days ago

Ive recently had the most incredible experience at Matrix Spa Before my massage, I was treated to a sensory journey that was both exhilarating and beautiful. blindfolded, I was guided through a meditative audio experience that transported me. It also included textures and scents. It was like exploring a new dimension, and I was completely immersed in the experience. The combination of sounds, aromas, and tactile sensations was truly delightful and left me feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. I highly recommend adding this sensory experience to your spa treatment - it's a game-changer! 🙌🏼 Ive been visited this place like four times and it never disappoints!

Diego Marquez
Diego Marquez
11 days ago

Me encantó la amabilidad con la nos recibieron, son excelentes anfitriones, el ambiente era muy acorde y te invita a relajarte pero lo que más me encantó fue la clase de stretching uff la amé me encantó la conexión que el maestro tuvo conmigo y me ayudó más que nada a conectar conmigo misma , mi cuerpo, mi mente y mis espíritu fue una experiencia nueva para mí y totalmente extraordinaria. Volveré !

Dana Zoe
Dana Zoe
12 days ago

I have never had a bad massage at Matrix Spa and Massage. Rachel gives the best massages that relax and also work out all the kinks and soreness. Everyone is kind and professional and there is always a relaxing environment. I recommend Matrix to anyone needing a massage

Audra Woolstenhulme
Audra Woolstenhulme
12 days ago

Richard is the best for a very deep tissue massage. Highly recommend!!

Lynn Rilling
Lynn Rilling
18 days ago

My partner and I did massages (Val and Rodrigo are AMAZING, best massage I think I’ve ever had), we also did the foot detox (so cool and feel better and lighter after) and then the hydrotherapy (cold plunge, steam and infrared sauna). It was nice and quiet on Sunday, staff were attentive and helpful (Julietta was SO nice) facility beautiful and clean, fun snacks and drinks, I would just recommend bringing your own swimming suit if you do hydrotherapy, the disposable ones aren’t the comfiest. This was a perfect holiday time out for my partner and I, will definitely come back and definitely recommend.

L Snyder
L Snyder
a month ago

My husband and I just got a Swedish couples massage and couldn’t be more pleased. The front desk attendant was great and even offered some food recommendations. Our masseuses were Gwen and Rodrigo. I had Gwen and they were amazing, attentive, and took the time to make the experience amazing. My husband had Rodrigo and they were also attentive and made the experience great. We will be back! Thank you!!

Shylan Lunt
Shylan Lunt
a month ago

Best massage of my life! Val seem to know where my problem areas were, even better than I did! He had great energy.The ambience of the place is very relaxing, and don't forget to try the chlorophyll water!

Lynne Wainfan
Lynne Wainfan
a month ago

Best massage of my life! Val seem to know where my problem areas were, even better than I did - he had great energy.The ambience of the place is very...

Donald E.
Donald E.

a month ago

Really great experience! Jacqui and Rodrigo were so comforting and welcoming for my partner and I’s first massage. We will definetly be back!

Natalia Bellini
Natalia Bellini
3 months ago

Luv this place. Always meet my needs. Been going for over 35 yrs. Don't live there any more but when I visit, always go! Price is great...Linda Russell...

Linda R.
Linda R.

3 months ago

I have been going to Matrix for about 4 years now. I really love the massages here and the staff are always very friendly and helpful.I have two therapists that I adore here.Jacqui gives an amazing therapeutic massage. I always leave feeling extremely relaxed, and my muscles feel amazing. I always recommend Jacqui to friends who need help with a specific area of pain or are feeling super stressed out with life. She works magic in her massages. Be prepared though, you may leave her massage so relaxed that you need alternate transportation afterwards!Donna is my other go-to massage therapist. If you enjoy energy work, Donna has an amazing ability to follow your energy. She will literally release chills from head to toe as she works your tight muscles into relaxation. Every massage I've had with her has been amazing. Donna has the ability to send you away with more positive energy and feeling super relaxed. She also does amazing focused therapeutic massage work to release tight muscles and heal painful areas.I so appreciate these two amazing massage therapists and will continue to see them for as long as I can.Pro-tip: When you book at Matrix, call and request the specific massage therapist that you want. If not, sometimes they will change the therapist. This is one thing I think management could improve upon. But, I do want to say, every time I've called to complain about the changed therapist, the front office accommodates my request for Jacqui or Donna immediately.

Rhonda Roth
Rhonda Roth
3 months ago

Love this place. Been going there for 3 years now. Everytime I go there I come out as a new person with less knots in my back

Abhishek Gajra
Abhishek Gajra
3 months ago

Nice spa experience. Great massage.

LaDonna Speiser
LaDonna Speiser
4 months ago

Me encanta este lugar , sus instalaciones , sus terapeutas , su ubicación

Diana Rincon
Diana Rincon
4 months ago

Definitely recommend. I've had the Swedish message, the hot stone, and the body scrub. Very relaxing on all 3

Racheal neely
Racheal neely
4 months ago

We had such an amazing experience. We were greeted with kindness and asked if we wanted anything to drink as we walked in. Our massage was relaxing, and hit all my problem area’s. The sauna, steam room, and ice bath were also an unforgettable experience. It’s beautifully decorated and has such a calm relaxing vibe. I’ll definitely be going back.

Ori W
Ori W
5 months ago

My husband and I came to Matrix for the Emerald package and had a wonderful experience! Donna May gave me a life-changing massage and we certainly hope to return. The sauna/bath area very much reminded me of a Korean jjimjilbang and had plenty of refreshments, towels, and robes, as well as chlorophyll water. All of the staff was very friendly and skilled—Thank you so much for taking care of us today!!

Renee Spady
Renee Spady
6 months ago

I received a 90 minute prenatal massage by Jacqui at the recommendation of my sister and it was fantastic. I would return if I lived locally, but I was only in town for a visit. I will say this is not a day-spa experience (no robes, relaxation room, etc.), but the atmosphere was still very relaxing. Jacqui had a pad on the table for me to lay facedown and support my body weight off of my belly, that on its own was great! At one point I felt the need to adjust the way I was laying and she gave me a moment to be sure I was comfortable. It felt like she was very present during my massage, focusing on areas that were requiring extra attention and finding tightness I hadn't even noticed because I was so uncomfortable in other areas. I slept so well the nights following that massage and she definitely helped with my pregnancy pains.

Sarah Pipitone
Sarah Pipitone
6 months ago

Friendly staff and clean facilities, my massage was great, my body felt relax and rejuvenated. Will definitely be back.

Kevin Russel
Kevin Russel
6 months ago

Donna Mae was brilliant! Must see her, best massage I’ve ever had!

Julie Kromar
Julie Kromar
7 months ago

Edit: 09/02 better experience this time due to Rachel who was my therapist. Highly would recommend her services. As for the scheduling I went through the online booking again and actually got a response back within 10 minutes confirming my appointment. I spoke with julieta before my left and she listened intently and with care as I explained my frustration and validated me through the short conversation. I can say that I will continue to come here and getting great care from their massage therapist.Previous post:I have been coming to this spa for massages one and off for a few years now. I have always had a pretty good experience however today was not that case. I had set an online appointment before they opened which showed in their website and schedule to be available. I recieved confirmation that I would be texted to confirm, well 45 minutes after they opened I had still not gotten a confirmation so I went in at the time I scheduled which was 1015, I was told by the masseuse at the computer desk that my appointment was not confirmed, I then said you guys open at 9 it is now 10 a.m. why was I not updated with confirmation if my appointment was accepted or not. I was told we must have been busy. And basically that since it was not cinfirmed then I should have known. They offered to schedule me for 4 p.m tonight which does not work. I left and as I was walking out the door I then recieved the text saying my appointment request was not accepted. Each time I come I spend well over 120 dollars plus tip for one massage and I do it gladly, this lack of care from the staff or even acknowledgeing the frustration makes it to where I have to consider coming back again. In the end massages are good customer service not so, i would not recommend.

Brandon Johnson
Brandon Johnson
7 months ago

Edit: 09/02 better experience this time due to Rachel who was my therapist. Highly would recommend her services. As for the scheduling I went through the...

E Brandon J.
E Brandon J.

7 months ago

I couldn’t be more pleased with this spa. Rachel, the massage therapist I had was incredible. I’ve only had a handful of massages in my life so I went in not feeling super comfortable and didn’t know exactly what to expect. But she explained everything and immediately put me at ease. I did the deep tissue massage, she was extremely intuitive and experienced, she pin pointed every problematic area without me having to say anything.I will be returning, five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

NATE THE WINDOW WASHER
NATE THE WINDOW WASHER
7 months ago

We come here often and have never been disappointed. They always treat us so well, and the energy there is very peaceful and welcoming. Thank you for providing the space for healing.

Jeni Lyn
Jeni Lyn
7 months ago

Great massage! And will be going back for another…. 4 stars because the room/building is old, has an old building smell, and needs a lot of repairs. I think the massage therapists are well trained! Professional and respectful. Like I said “great massage”

Greg Farnsworth
Greg Farnsworth
8 months ago

Yowza! I just had one of the best deep tissue massages I've ever had. Rachel was super personable and very expressive/willing to share her knowledge with me during my visit. I even got some stretching tips and I will be back just for her! The building was clean and I was super comfy the whole time. Very relaxing atmosphere, as well. My legs thank you!!

Sara Vermaas
Sara Vermaas
10 months ago

Richard H. is amazing - I’ve been going to him consistently for years now, and he’s officially the best. I love that his massages are very dynamic. He uses multiple methods to understand your body as opposed to just finding a spot and sticking to it. All staff are so professional and friendly, and each experience is so relaxing.

Taylor Christensen
Taylor Christensen
11 months ago

Our appts were on time, the therapists were knowledgeable & polite, & the facility was clean & tidy with a peaceful atmosphere.

Aaron Sutton
Aaron Sutton
a year ago

This place was great!

Cristal Balcazar
Cristal Balcazar
a year ago

First time going to a spa it's is one of the Best massage I've ever had! The staff is really friendly. Great service!

Jessica G.
Jessica G.

a year ago

My husband took me here for my birthday and it was beyond amazing and so relaxing!

Meagan Graham
Meagan Graham
a year ago

I have been coming to Matrix Spa & Massage for about 5 years now and can always get in quickly. I made an appointment yesterday because I woke up with an extremely sore neck from sleeping wrong which resulted in a massive migraine (that I often suffer from) and I left feeling clear headed and amazing! Frederick Salt provided one of the best massages I have ever received. He took the time to listen to my needs and put real attention and care into his practice. He has a ton of experience in massage therapy and I would recommend him to anyone needing a great massage that’s well worth the money.

Erika Pehrson
Erika Pehrson
a year ago

This place is interesting and my therapist was definitely unique. He only massaged my upper body and told me to breathe into my collar bone and other instructions that I didn't quite know how to follow. My elbow was sore for a day or two after. I do think he was genuinely trying to help, but I would have liked more explanation of what was the rationale behind the movements and instructions. I also would have preferred to have received some work on the legs, but again 60 minutes sometimes isn't enough time I guess. Other members of group liked there experience more and described there massages very positively. The offer to return gratis by the owners in their comments below is a nice sentiment and a testament to how they care for their business. (Unfortunately I was visiting from out of town so cannot do so but again appreciate it)

Stephen Becker
Stephen Becker
a year ago

Donna May rocked my world - the best massage I've gotten in salt lake so far and I've tried a few different spas at this point. The level of pressure, the intuition, the obvious mastery of her craft - cannot recommend her enough. She is a neck wizard.

Natalia Baykova
Natalia Baykova
a year ago

Best Massage I have ever had. Donna May provided a relaxing and therapeutic massage. She always had the perfect amount of pressure and seemed to tailor the massage just to me. I will book with Donna May as often as I can. She is also such a kind person.

Kendrick Woolstenhulme
Kendrick Woolstenhulme
a year ago

Well worth it!My wife and I were needing time to unwind and relax, I bought the Emerald Package, it was well worth the money! The amount of time and detail the staff took us was amazing. We left feeling relaxed and ready to tackle the world again. We are going to be coming back. The spa downstairs was amazing, what a way to finish off the night after a massage. Thank you for making our night!

C C
C C
a year ago

There are so many good things to say about this place. The biggest shout out to Donna May who gave me the best deep tissue massage I’ve ever had in my life. Repeat: the BEST deep tissue massage I’ve ever had IN MY LIFE. The price was $95 for an hour.Other pros: they got me in on a Sunday.The facility is very clean.They have optional spa upgrades (see photos).Cons: They have this required form where you have to fill out medical information. I don’t like providing my medical information and it wasn’t necessary for this type of appointment.The booking process could be simpler but it’s not a make or break.Overall, I had a nice time and look forward to booking with Donna May in the future.

Quaceé Dorby
Quaceé Dorby
a year ago

Donna, Jackie and Juiletta were amazing!!! Loved all of it worth every penny!!!!

Nique Mower
Nique Mower
a year ago

Able to get appointments quickly, wonderful massages and the whole hydrotherapy downstairs was amazing

Christina R.
Christina R.

a year ago

Here at Matrix massage, Rachel was extremely skilled and attentive to my lower back issues. Fantastic massage, just the right pressure and incredible...

Richard S.
Richard S.

2 years ago

Amazing therapists. I love their hydro circuit. sauna has helped my pain in so many ways. If you're going to come here and get a massage definitely book a...

Donna May L.
Donna May L.

3 years ago

My first time visiting Matrix and I somehow booked the wrong service, but I'm not even mad about it! (I booked Thai massage online but when I got there,...

Kelly C.
Kelly C.

3 years ago

This spa was amazing! A group of us went there this past Friday for a Bachelorette Party! This is the only spa in SLC that has any packages or deals for a...

Brynn P.
Brynn P.

6 years ago

Came here for recovery after 2 days of skiing. We had a really nice time. The sensory experience was so cool and they had a sauna, steam shower, cold tub and massage chairs. Definitely recommend!!

Ryan Kauchak
Ryan Kauchak
7 days ago

Amazing experience. Very small but has all of the amenities of a large facility. Cold tub, steam sauna, infrared sauna, traditional sauna, and full sensory experience.

kameron hensley
kameron hensley
7 days ago