During a prenatal massage treatment you can expect to be covered with draping (towels, sheets and blankets) to make you feel safe, secure and comfortable. In addition, I use many pillows to support your body in several positions to make you feel most relaxed while on my table. There should at no time be any discomfort but instead a feeling of complete relaxation and ease.
If you have a history of miscarriage you might want to check with your doctor before booking a massage treatment especially during the first trimester when miscarriage is more likely to occur. There has been no research to suggest any relationship between miscarriage and massage. It is just a precaution. Once the second trimester begins massage is regarded as completely safe and beneficial to mum and baby.
As with any therapeutic approach to pregnancy wellness, women should discuss massage with their prenatal care provider. The best way to address the risks of prenatal massage is to be informed and to work together with knowledgeable professionals
Pregnancy massage has many benefits including:
- It will help maintain tone and flexibility of your muscles allowing for an easier delivery.
- Massage will alleviate aches and pains as your body changes during the three trimesters. A natural and safe alternative for pain relief.
- Massage improves circulation and will aid in the reduction of swelling (oedema) due to increased pressure on the major blood vessels.
- Sleep quality will improve due to its sedating effect on the nervous system.
- Massage regulates mood by altering hormone levels. Stress hormones (cortisol) decrease thereby reducing any anxiety about pregnancy and childbirth. Serotonin and dopamine levels increase reducing feelings of depression.
- It provides emotional support for the mum through nurturing touch.
On a personal note, I have three children myself and each pregnancy and birth were unique. Having massages throughout this special time was absolutely necessary for me. I sought out a massage therapist with pregnancy massage experience and she helped to ease my aches related to the extra baby weight and also the postural changes. Pregnancy, though natural, puts considerable strain on our bodies. Massage helps to increase circulation, reduce swelling, improve digestion, and aid in relaxation and sleep. It is a complete body rejuvenation. In my experience after my massage treatment I was able to rest easier at night and felt so much better that I managed to incorporate exercise into my daily routine making me feel terrific.
After childbirth it is also important to continue regular massage treatments as the body adjusts back to “normal.” Massage increases circulation of blood throughout the body delivering vital nutrients to help you recover.
New mums ache from holding baby and breastfeeding. Often there will be neck and should muscle tension in addition to tendonitis at the elbow joint from cradling a newborn. This tightness can become very painful over time if left unresolved. There is nothing more wonderful than cuddling your little one, be kind to your body so that you may continue to bond in this very special way without discomfort.
Massage during pregnancy is such a wonderful practice of self-care. I recommend coming in once per month to help your body to function optimally throughout. During the last month of pregnancy you will most likely benefit from weekly massage treatments as your body prepares for childbirth.
