Pregnancy Massage

It seems an obvious answer, but it is always good to be clear. Pregnancy massage is for women past the first trimester (13 weeks onwards). It is a massage designed to help mum relax and ease the aches and pains that come with the growth of baby.

Predominantly the massage is done with you lying on your side and swapping sides half way through. The movements of the therapist (me) will be soothing and soft. If you are thinking 'a soft massage isn't going to help ease my rock solid muscles', Do Not Fret! I had this massage performed on me during the course and even with the reduced pressure, it released the tension in my shoulder blades and my neck, amongst other things. 

We start with you laying on your lefthand side, and after a few stretches, the massage starts with the back and then the arm, hand, leg and foot. I will then help you sit up and swap onto your righthand side, and perform the same routine. I know that getting up can be hard and becomes increasingly harder when 'bump' has growth spurts, but don't worry, I will help and support you in the turn over.

The massage is luxurious and deeply relaxing, to the point where I actually fell asleep while being worked on in class (thankfully the teacher encouraged this), so if you feel yourself drifting off, go with it, it's probably what your body needs. And let's be honest here, sleep will become a rare commodity once baby arrives, so get it while you can. 

Pregnancy can be one of the most enjoyable moments in your life, but it can have the tendency to cause some aches and pains along the way, with the growth of baby putting pressure on joints, ligaments and organs. Having a massage can help mum both physically and mentally, which leads to a calmer and more relaxed mum and in turn a happy, relaxed baby.

Being relaxed is great, but how does this massage do that? Here is a list of benefits you can expect:

• Stimulation of the circulation
• Lymphatic drainage
• Improved bowl movements
• Avoid varicose veins from developing
• Deep relaxation
• Reduce emotional stress
• Balances blood pressure
• Encourages Oxytocin, a pain reducing hormone
• Enhanced relationship with your body
• Helps respiratory system (great for when labour comes along)
• Reduce muscle tension, aches and pains

There is ample evidence of pregnancy massage helping both mum and baby. Research shows that the endorphins (hormones that help us feel good) are released by mum and passed through to baby, helping baby to feel relaxed and at ease.

Having regular massages throughout the pregnancy can actually help mum to be more aware of her body and even help aid relaxation during labour. This in turn leads to shorter and easier births, less pain and a lower rate of postnatal complications.

Every precaution is taken to ensure both you and your baby's health is the priority. There will be cushions galore, to make you as comfortable as possible and I have a hydraulic bed, so there is no need to climb onto a high bed and I'm more than happy to be in the room with you while you get on and off the bed incase you need a hand. 

Although I haven't been pregnant myself, I have been told that it is a very special time, with a lot of ups, downs and all arounds. So I want you to get the most out of this treatment as possible; if you need more blankets, less blankets, music or no music etc, just let me know and it will be done.