Pregnancy Massage

Sports, remedial and pregnancy massage therapist, Becky Stockley, shares what you can expect from a pregnancy massage from her, from the benefits to the style of treatment and modifications to a general massage session

Pregnancy is a special experience that is individually unique. For some it can be plain sailing whilst for others it be an uncomfortable and complicated time. Massage can be a way for a mother to reconnect with her body, calm her nervous system, soothe aches, and ease the effects of postural changes. 

Is it safe?

• Yes, in the case of a healthy pregnancy with no complications massage is entirely safe. The general recommendation is to wait for the first trimester to have finished before having massage to ensure the most vulnerable stage of the pregnancy has finished.
• If the pregnancy is slightly more complicated it is important to seek out massage therapy from a well-informed and accommodating therapist with the relevant qualifications. Keeping an open and honest dialogue ensures that you can get the most out of the sessions whilst also allowing the therapist to work to give you a personalised and suitable treatment.

What are the benefits of massage during pregnancy?

• There are large postural changes during pregnancy to accommodate for foetal growth, including a gradual shift in a mother’s centre of gravity. These changes can lead to muscle tightness in the lower back, hips, hamstrings, and shoulders. An experienced therapist will be able to quickly identify any changes in posture and utilise suitable techniques to offer support and relief.
• The muscles and connective tissue of the lower back can become more bound over time as the baby gains mass. Myofascial techniques are an extremely effective, slow, and relaxing way of easing this tension. Releasing this area can also improve the movement of the diaphragm to make breathing feel deeper and easier. 
• Over time the ankles and lower leg can become swollen and sore from carrying the weight of the baby and additional fluid around the body. Massage therapy can aid in moving fluid away from the ankles and feet, thus reducing swelling and discomfort. 
• Soft tissue therapy helps maintain the health and function of muscles, joints, the myofascial system of connective tissue and the nervous system. Receiving treatment through pregnancy often has a great effect on postpartum recovery.
• Massage, gentle hands-on work, accurate use of techniques, and a good relationship with the therapist all improve the activation of the vagus nerve. Activating the vagus nerve encourage the body into a restful state; lowering blood pressure, slowing down breath rate, improving sleep and encouraging digestion. 
• Allow the body to slow down, focus on yourself for an hour, slow everything down and bring the body into a feeling of comfort and safety. 

 What does a pregnancy massage look like?

• Depending on the stage of the pregnancy the massage can take place in a variation of positions such as seated, side lying or fully reclined. It is completely dependent on the comfort and needs of the individual with freedom to stick to one position of move between them if needed. 
• Cushions, bolsters, towels and an adjustable massage table will all be used to ensure the safety and comfort for mother and baby. 
• A thin, large sheet will be used to provide a greater coverage to provide a sense of ease and comfort.
• Unscented wax will be used to avoid causing overstimulation and nausea. 
• Specific areas and trigger points (such as the soles of the feet or supraspinatus fossa) can be avoided to minimise the worry of encouraging labour (unless this is the intention of the treatment!)
• Extra trips to the toilet are unavoidable in the later stages of pregnancy. A robe will be provided to wear to the toilet next to the treatment room to avoid the inconvenience of getting dressed and undressed again.