Pregnancy massage can be of enormous benefit not only to you the mother, but also to your unborn baby
It can emotionally and physiologically support you as a woman during a time when your body is undergoing many changes and can help prepare your body for birth. It can help alleviate aches and pains and other common health problems associated with pregnancy.
Preparing for the arrival of your newborn baby brings much excitement, but also plenty of stress, massage can help to reduce stress levels due to its calming effect.
Receiving regular massage whilst pregnant can make you more aware of Your own body. This can help you to learn to relax during your 1st stage of labour, often resulting in shorter and easier births.
Furthermore, it can lead to increased breast-feeding success due to the increased prolactin and mammary development.
Here are some of the benefits of massage in pregnancy
Stimulation of the circulation
This will distribute essential nutrients and fluid to all vital organs of the body, especially the placenta, which will feed and aid the development of your baby.
Lymphatic drainage – will eliminate toxins from the cells and blood and help reduce oedema, which can be a contributary factor in carpel tunnel and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Sluggish bowel movement – is aided, helping to avoid constipation and haemorrhoids.
Releases muscle tension – Of the upper back, shoulders, lower back and hips. Which can ease the discomfort of sciatica, prolapsed discs and symphysis pubis Dysfunction (SPD), often causes by postural change and hormone release.
Releases Compression – on the nerves caused by muscle tension or oedema.
Helps to avoid varicose veins – from developing.
Induces sleep relaxation- and aida a peaceful sleep (it is reported that women who sleep well during the last month of pregnancy have shorter labours).
Helps to reduce emotional stress – anxiety and creates a sense of well-being.
Helps to lower or keep blood pressure balanced.
Massage encourages the release of oxytocin – This is a pain reducing hormone providing vital relief of pain during labour and birth.
Things to consider when you receive a pregnancy massage
It is always necessary to obtain permission from your midwife/GP before receiving a pregnancy massage. This applies if there is any history of miscarriage or medical complications during pregnancy.
PLEASE NOTE – Pregnancy Massage can only be booked if you are in your 2nd or 3rd trimester.
So, when you book in to see Ann @ Chinley Massage, you can be assured that prior to having any form of treatment, Ann will go through a thorough clinical consultation, where she will check with you that it is safe to perform your pregnancy massage.
For ease of comfort, Ann will take great care to ensure that you are fully comfortable before delivering the massage. You can lay on your side, with pillows placed under your head and shoulders and between your knees. There will be plenty of covers available to ensure you are covered throughout the massage. Alternatively, you can lay on your back if you prefer this position.
Ann will work all areas of your body, although she will check with you prior to receiving your massage, should you prefer to not have a certain area massaged.
After care advice
To ensure that you gain maximum benefit from a treatment, Ann will recommend the following:
- Increase the amount of water you drink over the next few days
- Reduce your caffeine intake (coffee, tea, colas)
- Avoid alcohol for 24hrs
- Try to cut down on smoking
- Make time to relax
Occasionally, you may experience reactions when the body begins its self-healing process and elimination of toxins
These reactions may include:
- Frequent visits to the toilet
- Runny nose and/or cough
- Slight rash as the skin rebalances
- Perspiration-another way that the body can excrete toxins
- Deep sleep or difficulty sleeping and vivid dreams
These reactions are only temporary and should clear within 24-48hrs. They are positive signals that your body has responded to the treatment and is balancing itself.
