Pregnancy Massage: What it involves

For those who are expecting or know someone who is, pregnancy massage can be a much needed therapy. While pregnancy is a wonderful journey it can bring about many discomforts, such as backache and swollen feet. The physical toll of pregnancy can be significant, and receiving a massage is an effective way to alleviate some of these discomforts. Additionally, it is important to note the positive effects of reducing mental tension and stress. Wondering what a pregnancy massage involves and what to anticipate from the experience? To address these inquiries, I have put together a helpful guide detailing everything you need to know about pregnancy massage.

What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Specifically tailored for pregnant women, a pregnancy massage aims to address their unique needs. This gentle yet powerful therapy is intended to relieve common pregnancy-related discomforts such as muscle cramps and myofascial pain in areas like the lower back, neck, hips, and legs. During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes that can cause increased strain on your lower back, hips, shoulders, neck, and abdominal muscles, resulting in new aches and pains. Throughout pregnancy massage, the therapist will utilise a blend of relaxation massage and deep-tissue manipulation to alleviate the discomforts and pains resulting from pregnancy-related bodily changes, fostering relaxation and preparing your body for childbirth.

Differences Between Standard and Pregnancy Massage

While pregnancy massage shares similarities with traditional massage, the techniques employed are tailored to accommodate the physical changes a woman experiences during pregnancy, ensuring the safety of both the mother and her fetus.

The treatment can be adjusted to use a lighter pressure for relaxation and overall well-being, or a firmer pressure for pain relief. The therapist will focus on specific areas of the body like the lower back, circulatory system, and lymphatic system to promote a healthy blood flow for both the mother and baby, as well as to facilitate the removal of toxins and waste products effectively, ensuring a safe and beneficial experience.

One key distinction between a regular massage and a prenatal massage lies in the positioning required. During a typical massage, you will typically lie on both your stomach and back. However, pregnant individuals are advised against lying on their stomachs, so the positioning for a prenatal massage usually involves lying on your back briefly, followed by each side with pillows supporting your legs and arms. This variation prioritises the comfort and safety of both you and your baby.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

While undergoing treatment can certainly enhance feelings of comfort, relaxation, and well-being, it should not be viewed solely as a luxury. Instead, it is an integral aspect of holistic medicine, with targeted manipulation being a recognised therapy for various medical conditions.

There are numerous advantages associated with specialized manipulation during pregnancy:

• Reduction in neck, shoulder and ribs pain and muscle tension

• Easing of general pregnancy-related aches, pains and stresses in your lower back, hip and pelvis area

• Better sleep

• Reduction in stress hormones

• Lower blood pressure

• Decreased fluid retention

• Better circulation

• Enhanced mood and decreased anxiety

• Better skin nourishment

• Reduction of cramping

• Improved energy levels

Research has indicated that women who undergo regular pregnancy massages are likely to experience shorter, less complicated deliveries and a reduced risk of premature birth.

Benefits of massage in the first trimester

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Improved sleep pattern and reduce the sense of fatigue

• Reduced headaches associated with early hormonal changes

• Reduces hip, back and shoulder pain

• Stabilises mild nausea

• Creates a wonderful mother-baby connection.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage in the Second Trimester

During the second trimester, pregnancy massage is ideal for addressing any problems you might be experiencing in your lower back, in particular. That's because the muscles in this region are affected by posture, and as your baby bump grows, it has an impact on your posture. Similarly, shoulders can also be sore at this time due to postural changes, so this discomfort can be targeted too.

Pregnancy Massage in the Third Trimester

During the third trimester, you are more likely to be experiencing swollen limbs and difficulty sleeping, causing irritability and mood swings. Furthermore, continuing hormonal changes and the rapid changes in your body might trigger anxiety. Antenatal massage at this time will encourage relaxation and increase your sense of well-being.  At the same time, it will help drain the lymph system, removing toxins and extra fluids from places they have built up, like your legs.  

If you are having concerns about your pregnancy or the physical changes of your body, a pregnancy massage with a qualified therapist will also give you the opportunity to talk about your fears and get some reassurance.  

Important information

While there are many benefits to having a pregnancy massage - at any time in your pregnancy, you should consult your healthcare professional about getting a massage if you:

* Are experiencing excessive nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

* Are at high risk of miscarriage

* Have a high-risk pregnancy

* Have high blood pressure

* Are experiencing any sudden swelling or breathing problems

* Have any other pregnancy concerns

How To Prepare for Pregnancy Massage

You can choose the amount of clothing you want to remove, as you will be covered with a sheet or light blanket during the massage. Some women prefer to be completely naked or wear only underwear. Then, you can relax on the massage table and allow the therapist to relieve your aches and pains. After the session, you may feel a bit dizzy, so take your time getting up. In the days following the massage, make sure to drink plenty of water to help eliminate toxins and prevent headaches. You may also receive recommendations to perform some gentle stretching exercises to maintain muscle flexibility.

If you want to discover how a pregnancy massage could help you, get in touch with Anne at 0852572569 or by sending an email to info@agsportsmassage. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.