Massage and Pregnancy
Let me start with a lovely testimonial from one of our clients Tracey...
"As you know I visited you much more regularly this pregnancy than I did last, and was amazed at what a difference it made.
I had increased mobility and flexibility after having the massages. The tension in my lower back and hips was becoming very painful, especially in the third trimester, but the massages helped and were also wonderfully relaxing for me. Also a lovely way to have ‘time out’.
Last pregnancy I experienced achy joints, puffy hands and feet, but with your help, the massage sessions reduced the swelling in my joints/limbs as well as leg cramps, pelvis pains and general lower back stiffness.
I am now utterly convinced of the benefits of regular massage and look forward to continuing to see you after the birth!"
So let's start with the benefits...
- As in regular massage, it helps promote circulation of blood and lymph which means it will help with those puffy joints and edema.
- Helps to reduce blood pressure.
- Helps to relieve pressure on weight bearing joints; ankles, knees, hips, pelvis and lower back.
- Reduces muscle tension and eases trigger points.
- Helps to calm the nervous system therefore reducing stress and promote relaxation.
- Promotes better sleep.
- Fewer complications in labour (studies have shown).
In a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 20, 31-38. (1999) Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C. & Burman,
reported that twenty-six pregnant women were assigned to a massage therapy or a relaxation therapy group for 5 weeks. Both groups reported feeling less anxious after the first session and less leg pain after the first and last session. Only the massage therapy group, however, reported reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep and less back pain by the last day of the study.
But there may be some reasons not to have a massage...
- Women at risk for preterm labour
- Women with a history of miscarriage
- Women with blood clots or clotting disorders
- Other conditions such as diabetic mother, chronic hypertension, cardiac disorder
If you have been having health issues during your pregnancy we recommend getting clearance from your doctor before having a massage.
Massage done during the first trimester is generally up to the therapist, the woman and her doctor. Massage has never been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
What to expect when you've booked your first pregnancy massage...
1. If you are a new client of Balance Massage you will need to fill in a health history form as do all our clients, and you may have been asked to get clearance from your doctor before making a booking. If you are already a client please tell your therapist as soon as possible that you are pregnant.
2. We use bees wax for massage here at Balance usually with some Anti-flamme creme mixed in, it is preferable not to use Anti-flamme when pregnant because it contains peppermint, so we change to plain bees wax.
3. Sometimes it's preferable to keep the massage short (30minutes)in the first tri-mester depending on how your feeling, if your a regular massage client your body may already be conditioned to the massage and so maybe able to handle longer.
4. As soon as it's uncomfortable for you to lie on your tummy we position you in side-lying which is very comfortable with pillows under your head and top knee and even around the tummy if needed. We can still massage all of the back & shoulders, hips, arms, neck and most of the legs and definately your feet. But we keep direct pressure away from the inner ankle as this is a pressure point to dilate the cervix.
5. The massage may be a slightly lighter pressure especially in the first tri-mester and if you haven't been having regular massage. The pressure can be more firm after we see how you respond to your first massage.
6. Reflexology can also be very helpful during pregnancy to increase energy levels and bring hormones in to balance.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask, all of our therapists have had experience with pregnancy massage.
We also have a massage chair for when it gets too uncomfortable to lie on the table.
Our aim is to make you as comfortable as possibe and leave feeling lighter and more relaxed
