The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Four reasons why you should have a Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy brings an array of new experiences. A brand-new life growing inside; overwhelming emotions you never thought you would experience; a tsunami of hormones and changes to your body that you didn’t think possible. Our bodies are truly amazing. However, with all these changes we find our bodies struggling with various aches and pains and headaches and sickness. It's no wonder that pregnant women often turn to natural therapies such as pregnancy massage to help manage and alleviate these stresses and strains and prepare their body for birth.

Here are Four reasons why you should have a pregnancy massage:

Lower Back Pain/ Sciatica

Lower back and sciatic nerve pain is a common complaint during pregnancy. As the uterus rests on the muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back, it puts pressure on the upper and lower leg. The muscles then begin to swell and put pressure on the sciatic nerve causing pain. Pregnancy massage can help to relieve this pain by releasing tension and swelling of the muscles and many women have found that it can significantly reduce pain during pregnancy through having regular massages.

Balances hormones and decreases stress

During pregnancy, a woman will experience hormonal changes and surges that she has never experienced before. These hormones play an important role in pregnancy and keep mum and baby healthy and prepare the body for birth. According to the American Pregnancy Organisation studies have shown that massage therapy can significantly alter hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress. Women who received regular massages found that the hormones norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels increased (low levels are associated with depression). Studies also found that when these changes to hormone levels occurred it led to fewer complications during birth.

Reduction of swelling

Oedema or swelling of the joints is common during pregnancy. It is caused by a reduction in circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels near the uterus, which is getting heavier and heavier. Massage can help by working over the affected area to stimulate soft tissues and improve the circulation thus moving the fluids away from the affected area.

Rest and relaxation

Pregnancy puts an enormous strain on our bodies, and as we continue our normal day to day life whether that’s working or looking after older children, our bodies become tired and overworked. Sometimes we forget to look after ourselves and have some valuable me-time. However, as our bodies grow and changes shape, it’s important that we look after our bodies physical and mental well being. Pregnancy massage is a perfect way to help you relax. It will help to soothe and relax your body allowing the nervous system to release endorphins which will make you feel more relaxed and promote better sleep. It will also give you the opportunity to just lie down, take the weight off your feet and let someone else look after you.

Considerations before having a massage:

Massage is a wonderful therapy to have during pregnancy. However, if you have experienced any of the issues below, or are classified as a high-risk pregnancy, massage may not be appropriate for you at this time. If you are unsure you can either get in touch with me or speak to your midwife or doctor about whether massage is suitable for you.

• Heavy vaginal discharge or if it is bloody or watery

• High blood pressure

• Pre-eclampsia

• Diabetes

• High temperature/fever

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Vomiting/diarrhoea

• Unusual or identified pain

• Contagious illness

• Morning sickness or extreme nausea

If you'd like to book a Pregnancy Massage, please get in touch 07920194241/ bloomandgrowmassage@yahoo.com