Pregnancy Massage
For mums to be at any stage, we are qualified to treat you from the first trimester.
Massage therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful and healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. It relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and swelling (oedema)
In addition, massage for pregnant women reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension -- which aids in better sleep -- and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
While a massage can't promise that your newborn will sleep through the night, it can provide you with a better night's sleep both during pregnancy and afterwards. Regular massage therapy not only helps diminish anxiety and discomfort but boosts relaxation as well.
What happens during a prenatal massage?
We take extra care to ensure our pregnancy massage clients are comfortable. Side lying positioning with supportive, soft cushions are used to alleviate any strain on the lower back and pelvic areas when the pressure of massage techniques are applied.
Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, you may prefer to lie on your back with a small, cushioned wedge placed under one hip to provide a slight elevation. Always feel free to discuss the most comfortable position for you with your therapist.
Massage during pregnancy can also be beneficial for:
Headaches: can be relieved by massage focusing on the head, neck and shoulders. In addition, maintaining optimal levels of stress relief through massage reduces the chances of migraines or tension headaches by relaxing trigger points and muscle spasms.
Muscle tension, created by carrying the extra weight of a baby, can be relieved by encouraging blood flow to the afflicted areas. This provides more nutrient-rich oxygen and also increases the flow of lymphatic fluid, which sweeps away toxins and metabolic waste.
Fatigue, backaches, leg cramps and swelling/oedema can all be relieved through various types of massage for pregnant women.
The ordinary aches and pains of pregnancy are countered by the release of serotonin, your body's natural anti-pain chemical, which is stimulated by massage.
Is pregnancy massage right for me?
Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from the variety of massage techniques offered by a professional massage therapist. However, women in high-risk pregnancies are advised to consult their doctor or midwife before booking in for massage. If you experience discomfort at any time during the pregnancy massage, tell your therapist immediately.