Pregnancy Massage
A pregnancy is a full body massage performed by a certified prenatal massage therapist that is similar to a Swedish massage except for a few modifications with body positioning that can ensure the safety and comfort for both mother and baby.
Most of us lead busy lives, being pregnant can make you feel flush with energy some days and exhausted others. This will happen more as your pregnancy progresses. So this is a great time to listen to your body and give yourself time out to unwind and focus on yourself and your growing baby.
Having a massage treatment can help raise your endorphin, oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine levels. These neurochemicals affect your happiness levels and make you feel good. Massage can also reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And, obviously, feeling happy and de-stressed can only be beneficial for you and your baby. If you’re suffering from aches, pains and exhaustion during pregnancy, a soothing treatment can work wonders. Massages may not only help you relax, but may also relieve insomnia, joint pain, neck and back pain, leg cramping and sciatica. Additionally, it can reduce swelling in your hands and feet (as long as that swelling isn't a result of preeclampsia), relieve carpal tunnel pain, and alleviate headaches and sinus congestion — all common pregnancy problems. Massage may also lift depression without the use of medication, according to some scientific studies.
As it is not recommended that you lie flat on your back for long periods once you reach the 3rd Trimester, I carry out all pregnancy massages in the second and third trimester on your side. From here I can treat from head to toe on one side and then ask you to sit up and lay on your other side at halfway point.
Finding a comfortable position for a massage can be a challenge with a growing bump, So I will help you as much as I can with bolsters and creating the right light and temperature of the environment to help you feel relaxed. But if this is uncomfortable for you, you can lay you on your back at an incline – You can certainly benefit from wonderful massage techniques on your arms, legs, hands and feet also including your neck, face, scalp which feels amazing!
If you find any techniques particularly relaxing during your massage, make a mental note and show your partner. These massage techniques may come in handy for your partner to use during labour.
The wonderful benefits of massage while pregnant
1. Reduce Swelling
When your feet, legs, and hands start swelling during pregnancy, it is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels. Massage can help stimulate the soft tissue, move the extra fluid, and reduce the swelling, leaving you feeling more comfortable.
2. Relieve Lower Back Pain
Pregnancy massage improves lower back pain including sciatic nerve pain by addressing the tight muscles in the affected area. Massage increases blood flow and helps release the tension that can be brought on naturally by the stretching of the muscles as your baby grows.
3. Improve Sleep
Getting good quality sleep becomes harder and harder as your pregnancy progresses. Massage relaxes the nervous system and releases feel good hormones. This will leave you more relaxed and let you sleep better. That is something we all need!
4. Prepare Your Body
Massage can help you have an easier delivery, not only because it can reduce your overall stress level but also because of how well it can keep your muscles toned and relaxed in advance of the start of labour. Studies show that women reportedly had shorter hospital stays, shorter labours and less incidence of post-natal depression when receiving massages.
5. Relieve Pain Naturally
Prenatal massage offers a natural, safe, drug-free alternative for pain relief. This is beneficial since the use of medications is limited during pregnancy for the safety of your baby. The increased blood flow to your tissues and the relaxation your body will experience during and after a session can significantly alleviate many of the common discomforts of pregnancy.
You must have a discussion with your GP or Midwife before having massage therapy at any stage of your pregnancy. You must be 14 weeks + before your first massage appointment.
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​This treatment can only be booked with Nicky