Massage therapy during pregnancy (also called prenatal massage) is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellbeing. Pregnancy Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling).
In addition, massage for pregnant women reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension – which in turn aids in better sleep – and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
DURING THE PRENATAL MASSAGE
At Luna Holistic Therapies, your Pregnancy Massage specialist Claire takes extra care to ensure our pregnancy massage clients are comfortable. Sideline positioning with supportive, soft cushions is used to alleviate the extra strain on the lower back and pelvic areas when the pressure of massage techniques are applied. Extra strain in these areas can cause unnecessary back or abdominal pain, so naturally we want to avoid any potential discomfort. Towels and blankets are used to cover you during the massage to keep you warm and comfortable.
During the full body massage you will also lie on your back with a small, cushioned wedge placed under one hip to provide a slight elevation and cushions under your neck and shoulders again to elevate. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, your therapist may utilize such massage techniques as reflexology, Swedish massage or certain techniques that address your specific requests and needs. A few areas and acupressure points are avoided in Pregnancy Massage compared to a ‘normal’ Body Massage which will be explained at the start of your treatment.
A seated position is also available for pregnancy massage also (usually for woman who are very late on during their pregnancy) and would feel more comfortable seated in a chair.
RELIEF OF EVERYDAY SYMPTOMS
Massage for pregnant women offers a number of benefits, and it’s always a good idea to discuss with your therapist any everyday symptoms you’d like to see relieved. Those might include:
- Headaches can be relieved by massage focusing on the head, neck and shoulders. In addition, maintaining optimal levels of stress relief through massage reduces the chances of migraines or tension headaches by relaxing trigger points and muscle spasms.
- Muscle tension created by carrying the extra weight of a baby can be relieved by encouraging blood flow to the afflicted areas. This provides more nutrient-rich oxygen and also increases the flow of lymphatic fluid, which sweeps away toxins and metabolic waste.
- Fatigue, backaches, leg cramps and swelling/edema can all be relieved through various types of massage for pregnant women.
- The ordinary aches and pains of pregnancy are countered by the release of serotonin, your body’s natural anti-pain chemical, which is stimulated by massage.
Whilst having a pregnancy massage can’t promise that your newborn will sleep through the night, it can provide you with a better night’s sleep both during pregnancy and afterwards. Regular massage therapy not only helps diminish anxiety and discomfort but boosts relaxation as well. This ultimately can lead to improved sleep patterns.
In addition, the serotonin, endorphins and dopamine released by your body in response to massage provide an extra helping of those natural chemicals.
STAYING HEALTHY
Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies from 14 weeks gestation can benefit greatly from the variety of massage techniques offered by your qualified professional pregnancy massage therapist. If you experience discomfort at any time during the pregnancy massage, tell your therapist immediately. However, women in high-risk pregnancies or certain medical conditions can still benefit from pregnancy massage (with written GP consent).
A full health consultation will be carried out before any treatment is given and you will be sent a list of conditions prior to your first appointment, to decide if any possible contra-indications will affect whether you can have pregnancy massage. If any are found then your pregnancy massage therapist will need to write to your GP for permission.
The main contra-indications in Pregnancy are :- multiple pregnancy, history of pregnancy problems, threatened miscarriage, bleeding during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, early labour, placental dysfunction and pre-eclampsia.
A wonderfully relaxing treat for Mums to be and can be essential to help ease the aches and common side effects of pregnancy. Available from 14 weeks onwards. Lots of pillows are used for support and the majority of the massage is performed on your side or elevated on your back.
The perfect ‘Mum to Be’ Massage for a Gift Voucher 
Full Body 70 minute Pregnancy Massage (inc bump, face and scalp if desired) £45 Learn how to massage your bump yourself
40 minute Pregnancy Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage £30 or 40 minute Pregnancy Foot and Leg Massage £30
Other treatments are suitable during pregnancy just enquire for details.