Enhancing Your Journey: The Benefits Of Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy can be a beautiful and special time for many soon-to-be parents, however your body or your partner’s body will be going through a whirlwind of changes. Adapting to these changes and embarrassing them can be physically and emotionally challenging. Looking after yourself during your pregnancy is vital for keeping your body and your baby healthy. From mental changes to physical changes, your body is undergoing a significant transformation, which can include discomfort, aches, pains and even stress.

Our guide to pregnancy massage explains everything you need to know and how the benefits of a massage during pregnancy could enhance your journey. To find out more, keep on reading!

What Is Pregnancy Massage?

A pregnancy massage is a specialist massage that is perfectly designed for soon-to-be mothers. Gentle massage techniques have been adapted to give a relaxing and therapeutic experience. It can be used to help with aches, pains, or even alleviate stress. Additionally, a pregnancy massage may be used to help relax a pregnant woman or start preparing her for labour.

The benefits of prenatal massages can help with mental health as well as physical well-being, both of which are extremely important for anyone who is pregnant.



What Should I Expect From A Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massages can look pretty different, and can be administered by a range of professional massage therapists. They will usually deliver a unique treatment for about an hour to 90 minutes.

Just like any other massage, you will be required to lay down on the massage table, and you can have extra cushions for support. Whatever makes you the most comfortable during your session. In later pregnancy, you may find it more comfortable to lay on your side which is perfectly normal!

When it comes to the actual massage, deep tissue techniques will most likely be avoided and a massage therapist will use more gentle movements. These strokes will help with your circulation and help to relax you during your pregnancy.

Is It Safe?

According to the NHS, pregnancy massage (referred to as a complementary therapy) is perfectly safe, however you should only have a pregnancy massage administered by a professional.

It is generally advised not to have a massage carried out in your first trimester, especially if you have a history or a higher risk of miscarrying. This is just a safety precaution and many therapists will not carry out massages for women in their first trimester, just to be on the safe side.

Some medical professionals may suggest that a massage will help to alleviate symptoms, however, if you’re struggling with side effects of your pregnancy, such as nausea or vomiting, it may also be advised that you avoid a pregnancy massage.

If you feel unsure about a pregnancy massage, speaking to your doctor or getting advice from a medical professional is the best thing to do. They will be able to help you make the right decision based on your pregnancy side effects and symptoms. Keep reading to find out the benefits that come with having a massage during pregnancy!

Benefits Of Massage During Pregnancy: Mental & Physical Wellbeing

There are a range of ways that pregnant women can benefit from massages, and we’ve outlined a variety of both physical and mental benefits!

Back Pain

With the increase in weight during pregnancy, this can put a lot of strain onto your legs and back. Your posture can change and you may be experiencing more discomfort as you continue through your journey. Alleviating pain when you’re pregnant can be a bit of struggle, as some painkillers are not recommended, so you may have to find other methods of dealing with your discomfort. This is where a pregnancy massage can help.

Much like regular massages being used to target aches, pains and alleviate strain on the body, pregnancy massage aims to do the same just with lighter techniques.

Improving Circulation

The rhythmic strokes of a pregnancy massage can help to improve blood flow around the body. During pregnancy, you may be experiencing some swelling or discomfort, and improved circulation can help with this.

Massage therapists can target specific areas to help move the blood flow in a way that improves its circulatory movements within the body. This also helps get the vital nutrients and oxygen to both you and your baby.

Better Sleep

You may find that your sleeping schedule is not what it used to be, which is perfectly normal! Pregnancy can affect everyone differently, and if you’re experiencing a lot of discomfort, drifting off at night may not be the easiest thing to do.

Pregnancy massage can help with this, as it helps you to relax and decompress. It can be a good way to get some quality sleep and keep yourself well-rested throughout your pregnancy.

Swelling

Swelling in your arms, legs, ankles and feet can be pretty common during pregnancy, and this is because the blood volume in your body is increased. Swelling can be pretty uncomfortable and you may find that it’s more difficult to wear shoes or anything tight-fitting. Because massage therapy helps to improve your circulation and keep the blood flow moving, it can massively reduce the swelling you are experiencing, leaving you feeling lighter on your feet and alleviating some of that discomfort.

Better Posture

As both you and your baby grow, more weight is added, which you are carrying around all day every day. This can become quite strenuous on your back and leads many women to having poor posture throughout their pregnancy. Pregnancy massage tackles this by targeting tension in your back, spine and muscles. Releasing knots and tension can help get a better range of motion back into your body, allowing you to move with ease and reducing the strain on your back or shoulder area.

Reduced Anxiety & Emotional Support

While pregnancy is a beautiful, happy time for couples, many women can struggle with their mental health over these 9 months. Many women can experience depression, stress and anxiety, which is all perfectly normal.

Going through these emotions can be challenging, however a pregnancy massage can help more than you may realise! Massages are a good way to connect with your body and truly relax. Not only are you switching off mentally, but also allowing your body to completely relax, which can have a great impact on your mental well-being. Relieving muscular tension or aches and pains through massage can also leave you feeling much better mentally. Massage therapy is an excellent way to reduce stress levels and keep your mental health more stable.

Preparing For Labour

Labour can be a daunting thing to think about, and it can be both mentally and physically challenging. While everyone’s labour is different, preparing for your baby to arrive is extremely important for soon-to-be mothers.

Pregnancy massages, either throughout the pregnancy or during the third trimester can help women to prepare themselves for labour. Massages can teach women how to relax into their bodies and focus on their breathing, which will be extremely important when you are giving birth. The pain relief and relaxation techniques used in massage therapy can be comforting for women who are going into labour as it can help them to stay calm throughout their labour.

Massages may also be administered if women are having a long start to their labour or a difficult time with contractions. Breathing exercises and encouraging the movement of blood flow can help a lot during the start of labour. 

Finding The Right Massage Clinic For You

Pregnancy massage has a range of benefits that could enhance your journey. Here at Hillsborough Chiropractic Clinic, we offer a range of specialist treatments, from chiropractic manipulation to massage during pregnancy and even sports massage therapy.

If you’re interested in learning about the treatments that we offer, you can read more on our website. Alternatively, contact us today to find out more about our massage therapy and more. Our team will be happy to help you find the right treatment.