Pregnancy Massage
You’re pregnant and a lot is going on! Emotionally and physically things are a changing including increased tension in the muscular system and a shift in the body’s entire centre of gravity. With all these changes to cope with now is the time to take extra care of yourself.
After all, you are creating a whole new person in there! No mean feat by anyone’s standards… so we think you deserve some support!
Pregnancy massage is a very beneficial treatment that can help make the whole pregnancy experience smoother and more enjoyable. Pregnancy massage has many of the goals associated with regular massage such as relaxing tense muscles (ahhhhhh), improving circulation and mobility, making you feel good and easing stress. However, it is also specifically tailored to pregnant women and their changing bodies with therapists who are trained in this area.
Pregnancy massage also differs from general massage because trained therapists know certain pressure points to avoid such as those in your ankle and wrist which may stimulate the uterus to start contracting. Pregnancy massage (of course) also factors in your baby, and the sensitivity and gentleness required.
Benefits Of Massage During Pregnancy
• It has been proven to reduce stress hormones in a pregnant woman’s body. It also increases the levels of feel good hormones which tend to be low in women who are depressed.
• It can lead to a reduction in anxiety. After a massage moods levels are more positive and at ease.
• Being in a restful and relaxing treatment pregnant women find massage a rejuvenating and energising experience.
• For some pregnant women, massage can relieve nausea and heartburn.
• Relieves the everyday discomforts of pregnancy such as an aching neck, sore back, leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet, and fluid retention.
• Muscle relaxation and relief of joint pain. Pregnancy massage can be particularly helpful for women who experience sciatic nerve pain.
• Pregnancy massage may improve the progression of labour with better health outcomes for both the mother and her baby. More relaxed mothers tend to have a lower risk of interventions during labour and birth.
• Pregnancy massage can provide an opportunity for women to completely stop what they are doing and focus on the pleasure of having someone else do something just for them.
• Improved sleep due to feeling less muscle tension and generally less uncomfortable.
• Can reduce peripheral swelling and soothe the nervous system
• Regular massage can shorten labour time and help return you to optimal fitness after birth
How Is It Done?
Pregnancy massage can be done in a variety of different ways. Some pregnant women prefer to lie on their sides, others lie on their belly in a specially designed cushion that allows for a growing belly to be comfortably positioned. After the first 25 weeks of pregnancy it is recommended not to lie flat on your back as this can cause pressure deep on deep blood vessels, causing reduced circulation.
It is recommended to avoid massage during the first trimester unless you have the consent of your doctor/midwife. This is due to an increased risk of miscarriage during the first 12 weeks of gestation. However, getting weekly to monthly massages during the second trimester and even more frequently during the third trimester helps reduce many pregnancy problems. These often include sciatica, leg cramps, and back and shoulder pain.
So where can you find a Massage Therapist trained in Pregnancy Massage?
Right here at Live Well of course!
We have Massage Therapists, Takako, Matthew and Cuong who are experienced and qualified in Pregnancy Massage. At Live Well we see a number of pregnant women, some who travel great distances to experience the benefits they get form their massage!
So, if you are pregnant and feel like to either need a specific area worked on or would just like a relaxing massage where you are the centre of attention, call us here at Live Well to see our trained Pregnancy Massage Therapists.
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