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

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
10:07 27 May 23
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
19:09 22 Apr 23
Our appts were on time, the therapists were knowledgeable & polite, & the facility was clean & tidy with a peaceful atmosphere.
Aaron Sutton
Aaron Sutton
14:09 26 Feb 23
This place was great!
Cristal Balcazar
Cristal Balcazar
20:12 21 Feb 23
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.
12:57 04 Feb 23
My husband took me here for my birthday and it was beyond amazing and so relaxing!
Meagan Graham
Meagan Graham
00:44 31 Jan 23
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
17:45 19 Jan 23
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
11:47 25 Oct 22
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
13:41 26 Sep 22
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
00:34 26 Sep 22
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
15:57 22 Jul 22
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
08:20 19 Jul 22
Donna, Jackie and Juiletta were amazing!!! Loved all of it worth every penny!!!!
Nique Mower
Nique Mower
23:31 16 Jul 22
Able to get appointments quickly, wonderful massages and the whole hydrotherapy downstairs was amazing
Christina R.
Christina R.
20:34 03 Jul 22
My mom and I did the mother and daughter package and overall it was a really awesome experience! The place was under construction but they were able to accommodate our needs, the only downside is I never even knew our massage therapists names and I am kinda bummed about not being able to utilize the hot tub or sauna but I guess that means I’ll just have to come back another time! (:
Kamerra H
Kamerra H
15:48 23 May 22
I had the best deep tissue massage of my life there, Richard is the best therapist! I highly recommend him for sore muscles and back problems.
Viktoriya Semeykina
Viktoriya Semeykina
03:08 30 Apr 22
I love this place, I recommend this place to everyone
masterartist04
masterartist04
00:14 29 Apr 22
Excellent massage for myself and my husband. It was my first massage and it was a pleasant experience
S Havens
S Havens
20:58 24 Apr 22
Richard gave an amazing massage!
Mandy Britt
Mandy Britt
03:15 02 Apr 22
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.
14:55 14 Feb 22
I have been here 3 times now and have done packages and massages. Always a good experience.
Emma Slikker
Emma Slikker
14:22 01 Feb 22
A delicious sanctuary. I felt the worries of the week being worked out of my body. Richard was my “ Sensei” masseuse educating me on muscle connections and guidance on how to release tension. This is now my spiritual hideaway once a month.
Dolores Medina
Dolores Medina
19:38 12 Dec 21
A little pricey, but always a great job. Definitely worth it.
Janet Cook
Janet Cook
16:52 09 Nov 21
FrIendly staff, great massage
Mouse kowitts
Mouse kowitts
03:40 04 Oct 21
Had a massage with Donna the other day. I learned a lot, mainly that I should do it mote often. Donna took me on an excellent journey to the land of Awesomesauce.
John S
John S
00:29 06 Sep 21
I just had the best massage I've ever had from Rachel K. She really helped fix a lot of the abuse I've done to my body through a heavily active lifestyle. Thank you!!
Seth Walsh
Seth Walsh
23:48 03 Sep 21
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.
14:40 03 Sep 21
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.
15:58 07 Aug 21
Excellent care and customer service. Donna May and Rachel were awesome! Highly recommend.
Mike Black
Mike Black
01:31 26 Jul 21
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.
11:09 13 Aug 18