During pregnancy, many changes take place in the mother's body as the baby develops. This can put strain and pressure on the joints, ligaments and organs causing some pain and discomfort which massage can help alleviate.
Research also shows that the baby can greatly benefit from massage as endorphins (feel good chemicals) are released by the mother during massage that are passed onto the baby. Quite often the therapist will feel the baby kick and move as it too responds to the massage treatment.
Extra support is provided during the treatment to ensure the client is positioned properly and supported during the treatment. Low lighting and soft music will help with relaxation.
Massage can help to alleviate possible leg cramping, lower back pain, oedema of the feet and ankles.
The stimulating effects of the massage strokes help to increase circulation, which could increase the flow of nutrients delivered to the baby via the placenta. Massage aids the lymphatic system by stimulating the white cells of the immune system, it also encourages the elimination of waste and toxins, which will help relieve oedema or swelling.
Massage can help reduce:
It can also help:
Certain conditions that may or may not be related to the pregnancy may mean that pregnancy massage is not a suitable treatment. Such conditions may include high or low blood pressure or gestational diabetes (contra-indications).
If there are pregnancy related health conditions, written consent from a doctor or midwife before receiving massage therapy will be required.
Treatment is not advised in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Read about the benefits of pregnancy massage
Read about pregnancy massage treatment
What to be aware of with pregnancy massage
Read about how pregnancy massage works