Benefits

The benefits of massage during pregnancy can be huge. It is a time of great change physically, emotionally and psychologically- as well as a readjustment to a whole new way of life.

From day one to delivery day and beyond, massage can play a part in helping you to make sense of these changes and prepare your body for the journey. Your pregnancy is unique and I will tailor your massage to your needs, to help you with the following. 

• Stress. 
• Muscle Tension. 
• Aching Joints.
• Swelling (hands and feet).
• Tiredness.
• Constipation.
• Nasal Congestion

The main benefit is relaxation. Time to stop; time to focus on your body; time to begin the bonding process with your baby.

*Please note – if you have any concerns about massage during your pregnancy, please consult your midwife or GP 

When Can You Have A Massage?

It is possible to enjoy a massage during any stage of pregnancy although the experience does vary within each trimester. Accordingly, the massage will be adapted to you personally- as some techniques are not considered suitable at particular stages.

Whether you start a course of massage in your first trimester and continue to your due date, or have a one off treat, at your first appointment I will take time at the beginning to understand your medical history and any particular concerns you may have about your pregnancy and the treatment.

• Weeks 1-12 (1st Trimester) 

This is often a time of tiredness, morning sickness and emotional upheaval. At this stage the massage is gentle and can be a quiet place of stillness and calm in an otherwise stressful period. This time allows for the bonding process to begin- something that can get lost in the world of work.

• Weeks 13- 26 (2nd Trimester)

 Although for some, this can be a time of increasing energy, it can also be a time when your body is starting to look and feel like you are carrying a little person inside you! At this time, massage can help to ease joint pain, swelling hands and feet, tired legs and help to increase circulation.

• Weeks 27 – 40 (3rd Trimester)

As your body nears the due date, a massage can be a great help in relieving any pain and discomfort. In particular, as a comfortable sleeping position becomes more difficult, massage can aid a deeper and more restful sleep. This is a good time to start considering what will happen in the delivery room- do you want you partner to be able to offer some form of relief? It is possible for them to join us in the lead up to the birth and we can go over some massage techniques that you may both find helpful.

• Delivery

 Massage can be a great tool in labour, particularly during the first stage. It can help bring an element of relaxation. There are particular Shiatsu points that can be calming, offer pain relief and help to induce labour- there is even one that is said to help turn a breech baby. See the section on ‘Partner Support’ as to how massage can benefit you in the delivery room.

• Post natal

 After one of the most stressful experiences a body can go through, a massage is an effective and restful means to aid recovery. If you are breastfeeding, good posture and relaxed shoulders can go a long way to help make the experience work more effectively. A massage may also be a chance for yourself - while so much attention is on you baby - to get pampered and relax.