Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy, although a happy event, is also a time of intense emotion.  Studies have shown that a relaxed and stress- free experience benefits both mother and baby.  My clients often ask me what a pregnancy massage can do to help through pregnancy.  A relaxed, expectant mother will have lower blood pressure and respiratory rates, and better blood flow to the uterus and placenta which helps the foetus.  Many pregnant women suffer from aches and pains because of the unique stress on the body during this time.

Regular Prenatal Massage has many benefits including:

  • Helps to alleviate stress on weight-bearing joints and musculo-fascial structures.
  • Helps alleviate muscular tension, stiffness and pain, especially in the upper back, neck, and shoulders and in the lower back, hips and sacroiliac joint including sciatica.
  • Helpful for reducing swelling in the legs and feet and reducing muscle spasms and cramps. They also improve circulation.
  • Aids relaxation and stress reduction.
  • Relieves mental and physical fatigue.

    There are many benefits for both mother and baby in having a prenatal massage. It is a safe and relaxing way to relieve and minimise the common discomforts experienced during pregnancy. The side-lying position is considered the safest and most comfortable for pregnancy massage, along with the use of pillows for extra support and comfort.  Although a very small part or the massage focuses on abdominal work, this will only be part of the treatment if the recipient agrees and will be included in the initial consultation.

    If you feel that you would like to try a massage treatment, then it is important that you inform the midwife or obstetrician looking after you in pregnancy and they can advise if they think it will be suitable for you or advise you on any reasons you should not have a treatment.  

    Postnatal massage can be just as important as a prenatal massage helping the body to recover from childbirth.  As well as targeting areas of physical tension in the body, it can also help you relax and rejuvenate mentally and emotionally.

    A typical pregnancy treatment lasts one hour.