Pregnancy massage is a gentle, relaxing massage that can be used safely throughout the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.It is suitable for mums-to-be who are experiencing normal and healthy pregnancies. It’s a popular therapy used to support ladies suffering from back pain when choices for pain relief, such as medication, are quite limited. It can also help bring comfort to clients suffering from a whole range of other symptoms associated with pregnancy, such as morning sickness, sciatica, oedema (swelling) and tiredness.
During the treatment, mum lies on her side, supported by cushions under her head, under her tummy and between the knees. This position is very comfortable and allows mum to completely relax and enjoy a gentle, soothing massage.
This position allows for massage techniques to be applied to the back, legs, arms and tummy (if mum is happy with this). These are areas which can get quite tight and sore due to the increased pressure on the body.
Is it safe to have a massage during pregnancy?
If you would like to experience a pregnancy massage, Madeleine will have an informal consultation with you on the phone first, and ask a few questions about your health and about your pregnancy. This will help ascertain if it is safe for you to receive a massage. If you have had any complications with this or a previous pregnancy, please ensure this is communicated to Madeleine.
Before treatment can commence, it is necessary for you to get permission for a pregnancy masage either from your GP or midwife. Please ensure you get verbal permission before booking in for a massage.
A full consultation will take place at the start of your treatment, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have. As long as you are in the second trimester (13 weeks onwards), and are experiencing a normal, healthy pregnancy, massage can be a wonderfully relaxing experience, helping mums-to-be to cope better with all the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.
Benefits of pregnancy massage are believed to be:
- Eases aching muscles, particularly in lower and upper back
- Improves circulation
- Helps with fluid retention in the legs
- Relieves tiredness and fatigue from the extra weight carried
- Helps you to relax from the pressures of the pregnancy and gives you a bit of pampering before your baby arrives.
