pRE & POSTNATAL MASSAGE
I am fully qualified in practicing pregnancy massage from 12 weeks gestation, throughout your second and third trimesters and also following your 6 week postnatal appointment, to help with post birth recovery.
A pregnancy massage is a specially tailored gentle and soothing massage specifically adapted for the mother-to-be. For many women, pregnancy massage benefits include easing aches and pains, as well as facilitating relaxation and preparation for labour.
What does a pregnancy massage consist of?
I will deliver a unique, tailored pregnancy massage in the treatment room here at Recover Tec for 60 minutes. After listening to your particular concerns regarding any tension or discomfort, I will work on your body to create deep relaxation and calm, helping you to enjoy your pregnancy and alleviate any troublesome symptoms.
As with other body massages, you’ll lie on a massage table and you will be given additional pillows and towels to make lying more comfortable. Usually, I will get you to lie on your side, particularly later in pregnancy, as this is more comfortable as your bump grows!
Is pregnancy massage safe?
The NHS states that pregnancy massage is a safe complementary therapy you can use during pregnancy, once you have reached your second trimester.
It may be sensible to avoid pregnancy massage if you’re suffering particularly badly with vomiting or nausea and you should also avoid pregnancy massage if you are considered at high-risk of placental abruption or premature labour.
If you’re in doubt about whether pregnancy massage is safe for you, speak to your midwife, GP or obstetrician.
What are the pregnancy massage benefits?
The benefits of pregnancy massage are wide-ranging, and the following highlights some of these:
Mind and body relaxation
If you’re a fan of massage before pregnancy, then I think you will love receiving pregnancy massages for the same deep relaxation. It will get those endorphins flowing!
Pregnancy aches and pains & Reduce Muscular Discomfort
With increased weight, and your changing posture, pregnancy can cause aches and pains. In pregnancy, you’re limited in terms of what pain medication you can take, and how you can alleviate the pain. Pregnancy massage is one way to gently move and manipulate the sore areas, and increase your range of movement carefully, helping to soothe the pain away.
Reduction in anxiety
Whilst pregnancy is a joyful and exciting time for many women, it can cause some anxiety in others. It is a new experience (with each pregnancy being different!) and your body is undergoing constant change. Massage can be a way to connect with your body, learn to feel content with the changes, and therefore reduce the anxiety.
Improved sleep
Insomnia can be an unwanted side effect in pregnancy. Massage can help encourage numerous sleep benefits.
Sciatic and pelvic pain
Pregnancy hormones, combined with the increasing weight of the baby in the pelvic space, can cause sciatic pain, or pelvic pain. This can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult to manage. I can work carefully to help alleviate the pains around your pelvis and into your buttocks and legs.
Improve Circulation and Reduce ankle and feet swelling
Many pregnant women can suffer suffer with painful and swollen feet. The extra pressure from your uterus, plus increased blood volume, causes the swelling. Gentle upward massage strokes can alleviate this swelling by encouraging lymphatic drainage and improve blood flow.