What to expect during your pre-natal massage ?
After an initial consultation, your therapist will perform the massage with an holistic approach, but also paying special attention to any areas you have highlighted. Your positioning during the massage will be tailored around what is most comfortable for you. Positions may include lying on your side or semi-reclining.
Reducing Tension...
Overall, your massage will be a calming experience, and promote feelings of contentment and relaxation. I will use a variety of techniques with the aim to relax the entire body by relieving tension held within the muscles. It’s not uncommon to feel sleepy after a treatment and I will leave enough time for you to bring yourself back into the moment without losing the feeling of relaxation.
Reducing Swelling...
Oedema, or swelling, is a normal part of pregnancy (more than 80% in one study) but can cause increasing discomfort. Caused by increased fluid retention, oedema occurs throughout the body but is most common in the legs, ankles and feet. Oedema is usually noticed later in the day or after standing for a long period of time – but as your pregnancy progresses it can become a constant companion. Pregnancy massage works by using directed pressure to activate the lymphatic system – encouraging the fluid to drain away naturally, relieving swelling. Effleurage is a technique whereby flat-handed pressure is used to push excess fluid towards glands – it’s a gentle technique which allows sensitive and aching areas to be treated without irritation.
Benefits for labour and Post-natal recovery...
Studies have shown that regular pregnancy massage offers a range of benefits that can positively influence both childbirth and postnatal recovery for mother AND baby. Regular massage can significantly reduce pain and may shorten the duration of labour, leading to a more positive birthing experience. One study found mothers who received regular massages during pregnancy experience an average of 3hours shorter labour and less need for medication! PubMed Central
Postnatally, massage continues to offer substantial benefits. It aids in reducing swelling by improving lymphatic drainage, promotes hormone regulation, and provides relief to sore muscles, which is particularly beneficial as the body recovers from childbirth . Additionally, postpartum massage has been associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms and even preventative of postpartum depression, contributing to overall emotional well-being during the recovery period . The bump.com
Incorporating regular pregnancy and postpartum massage into a comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care plan can thus support both physical recovery and emotional health, enhancing the overall well-being of new mothers.
Can regular pregnancy massage also benefit baby?
Yes!
Regular prenatal massage not only benefits expectant mothers but also has positive implications for foetal development and postnatal outcomes such as emotional regulation and healthy sleep cycles. Maternal stress during pregnancy can elevate cortisol levels, which may cross the placenta and impact foetal brain development. Studies have linked high maternal cortisol to alterations in foetal brain structures, such as reduced hippocampal and cerebellar volumes, potentially affecting emotional regulation and cognitive functions in later life . Furthermore, elevated maternal cortisol has been associated with lower birth weights and increased risk of preterm birth. Nature.com
Prenatal massage has been shown to reduce maternal cortisol levels, thereby potentially mitigating these risks. Research indicates that pregnant women who received regular massage therapy experienced decreased cortisol levels, reduced anxiety, and lower incidence of depression . These maternal benefits can translate to improved neonatal outcomes; for instance, infants of mothers who underwent prenatal massage were less likely to be born prematurely or with low birth weight and demonstrated better performance on behavioural assessments . Pubmed
Incorporating regular prenatal massage into a comprehensive prenatal care plan may thus support both maternal well-being and optimal foetal development, leading to healthier outcomes for both mother and child.
Furthermore mother's stress levels during pregnancy can relate directly to their infants sleep problems after birth. Studies have also used regular massage to reduce expectant mother's cortisol levels to positively impact foetus development in babies measuring as under developed. Womensmentalhealth.org
Who doesn't want a baby that is going to sleep through the night as quickly as possible?!
With over 10 years experience in the natural wellness industry I can not only support you with bespoke massages personalised to your needs. With a background career in mental health and as a qualified breath work practitioner, yoga teacher and more... I can also offer a varied toolkit of options and coping strategies to manage stress and regulation outside of the therapy room such as breathing techniques, aromatherapy options, somatic movements and more.
I am also linked with some fantastic local practitioners I can recommend including a specialist physio who works with post-natal recovery, osteopaths for baby and post/pre-natal mothers and a published baby sleep coach.
So if treating yourself to massages during your pregnancy feels indulgent, you will actually be benefitting not only yourself, your future self and your baby!
Is Pregnancy Massage Right for Me?
Prenatal Massage is both safe and beneficial for the majority of mothers-to-be. You can start at any point from 12 weeks into pregnancy, including up to and past your due date in healthy pregnancies.
There are some instances when massage may not be appropriate, particularly in a high-risk pregnancy or with certain health conditions (diabetes or morning sickness for example), so I always advise checking with your doctor or midwife first.
Here are some contraindication for pregnancy massage:
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Severe Morning Sickness
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High-Risk Pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes)
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Placenta Previa
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Severe Swelling (Edema)
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Blood Clots
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Unexplained Abdominal Pain
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Complications from Multiple Pregnancies
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Active Infections or Fevers
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Recent Surgery
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History of Miscarriage or Complications
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Severe Back Pain (needs medical evaluation)
Always check with a healthcare provider if a pregnancy massage is suitable for you and please inform me before booking to discuss if we can proceed. You may simply require some personal adjustments to your treatment plan.
Post-natal Massage
In the lead up to giving birth it is easy to disregard your post-baby plan. By continuing a regimen of massage after birth you can help ease the effects of fluctuating hormones and the stress associated. Lowering cortisol levels naturally through massage is beneficial for your mental wellbeing and for your baby if you are breastfeeding, while remedial massage techniques can help your body re-adjust after the physical stresses of labour. You can return for further massages from 12 weeks post partum.
And yes you can bring them along... though it can be more nourishing for you to take some time out and away just for you.
