Massage During Pregnancy

First of all, many congratulations on your pregnancy! What an exciting time! There are many changes that take place throughout the body during pregnancy & carrying the extra weight of a growing baby can lead to postural changes which in turn can cause muscular aches & pains.

Pregnancy massage is safe after you have had your 12 week scan, once the pregnancy has become established  & the likelihood of miscarriage has subsided considerably. Massage is a wonderful way of helping ease any aches & feel nurtured & has many benefits including:

• Reduced stress – as levels of the stress hormones norepinephrine & cortisol decrease
• Lowered anxiety
• Relaxation
• Increased levels of the “feel good” hormones serotonin & dopamine – improving mood
• Decreased back & leg pain
• Reduced fluid retention
• Improved sleep
• Boosting the immune system

During the second trimester, I use special foam pregnancy cushions which are shaped to support your bump & chest, & which have a bolster placed under your ankles to take the strain off your lower back when you are lying on your front & which come up under your knees to support your lower back when you are lying on your back.

During the third trimester the pregnancy cushions may no longer be comfortable to lie on so I have you lying on one side with pillows under your head & one between your legs for maximum comfort. That way I can still massage your head, the whole of your back, your arms, legs & feet. This makes massage possible right up to your due date & beyond.

The addition of candles & relaxing music help to create a soothing atmosphere & add to the whole massage experience.

Massage is also very beneficial once you have had your baby, to help you get over the birth process & initial fatigue & is very restorative.

As with all treatments, there are certain times when you should avoid having a pregnancy massage, including:

• If you are experiencing extreme nausea
• If you are at high risk of miscarriage
• If you have a history of unstable pregnancies
• If you have a history of preterm labour
• If you have a high risk pregnancy eg placental abruption, where the placenta slightly detaches from the wall of the uterus
• If you are suffering from Deep Vein Thrombosis

If you have any concerns at all it is best to speak to your Consultant & get the all clear before having a pregnancy massage.

by Sophie Kingsley ITEC dip, MCThA

Sophie can be contacted by calling: 07946 268217.

You can visit her website at: www.massageformums.com