How can Pregnancy Massage help?
Pregnancy brings with it great physical and emotional demands on the body. Mums-to-be can often experience:
- Muscle tension
- Back pain
- Pelvic girdle pain / pubic symphysis pain
- Hip pain
- Rib pain
- Sciatica
- Leg cramps
- Exhaustion/fatigue
- Nausea/sickness
- Swelling
- Poor sleep
- Anxiety
- Stress
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is a safe therapeutic treatment that can help significantly with many of the discomforts that pregnancy may bring and provide emotional and practical support to a mother throughout her pregnancy and after the birth, including self-care strategies and advice and signposting to other services.
The many benefits include:
- Soothes aches and pain
- Improves overall wellbeing
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves circulation
- Reduces swelling
- Improves sleep
- May also improve labour outcomes and newborn health
Is Pregnancy Massage suitable for me?
Pregnancy massage is usually safe to receive in all 3 trimesters if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy. Even if you have complications, pregnancy massage may still be safe for you. As with all pregnancy related treatments I would ask that you check with your midwife/GP that they are happy for you to have the treatment and of course I would be happy to chat with you if you have any concerns or questions prior to booking.
Although there is no evidence to suggest that massage during the first trimester of pregnancy can harm your baby in any way, I generally prefer to wait until the second trimester before providing massage treatments. Please feel free to contact me if there is a specific issue that you would like treatment for before that stage.
There is no time limit for pregnancy massage – you are able to have a massage right up until baby arrives!
After booking your appointment you will be asked to complete a pre-screening form which will include a health screen and highlight any concerns.
What does the massage involve?
Once we have had a chat about any specific areas of concern, a bespoke treatment will be tailored for your individual needs. A typical massage might involve lying comfortably on your side for a wonderfully relaxing massage for your back, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet and pelvis. If requested, I will include a gentle and therapeutic massage to bump. If you’d prefer a shorter massage focussing on a certain area, for example neck and shoulders, then please book the 45 minute appointment.