There are numerous benefits of prenatal massage.
Massage therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and oedema (puffy ankles).
In addition, massage for pregnant women reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension (which enhances your sleep) and can help relieve the symptoms of depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
During the prenatal massage
I take extra care to ensure that my pregnancy massage clients are comfortable. Side-line 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 I want to avoid any potential discomfort.
Through the second trimester, you may prefer to lie on your back with a small, cushioned wedge placed under one hip to provide a slight elevation. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, I may utilise such massage techniques as reflexology, Swedish massage or other techniques to address your specific requests and needs.
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/oedema 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.
“Massage is very effective at increasing deep sleep,” says Touch Research Institute director Dr Tiffany Field.
Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from the variety of massage techniques. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctor or midwife before book one of my massage treatments. If you experience discomfort at any time during the pregnancy massage, tell your therapist immediately.
Staying healthy
While a massage can’t promise that your new-born 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.
Where can you enjoy a prenatal massage in Truro?
I am based in The Old Bakery Studios, just past Radio Cornwall.
The address is:
The Old Bakery Studios
Blewett’s Wharf
Truro TR1 1HQ
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT
