Pregnancy and Labour
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
In addition to the fact that massage during pregnancy just plain feels good; there are many other benefits for the mum-to-be and her baby, too. Pregnancy massage is beneficial throughout the nine months of a low-risk pregnancy.
Massage reduces stress hormones in the body, and touch is vital to the mother's physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image.
Pregnancy is a time of major structural, physiological, psychological, spiritual, and social changes. Some of these changes produce discomforts and concerns, which can be addressed with appropriate massage therapy and body use guidance.
Massage gives special attention to the mother-to-be, which in turn nurtures the new life that grows within her.
Massage will provide emotional support and physical nurturing, particularly for those who are alone in the process, either literally or by the emotional absence of the partner.
Is Prenatal Massage for you?
Your massage therapist will want to know if you are having any problems or complications with your pregnancy before you begin.
The following are circumstances in which massage should not be recommended:
- heavy discharge (watery or bloody);
- contagious illness;
- fever;
- vomiting;
- unusual pain;
- pre-eclampsia;
- threatened miscarriage
- early labour
- placental dysfunctions
- gestational diabetes
- high blood pressure;
- abdominal pain;
- diarrhoea;
- any malignant condition.
Massage can be performed anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour and longer, depending on how much time you have and how much discomfort you are experiencing. Once a week is great, or twice a week or more, during the third trimester is wonderful.
We have found that our pregnant clients appreciate their massage therapy appointments because they know relief is at hand. They look forward to their weekly appointments to ease recurring problems, such as leg cramps, back and round ligament pain.
We hope pregnancy massage eases any discomfort you may be feeling, too.
What to Expect
A thorough massage session takes at least 60 minutes. We recommend a 90-minute session that includes 20 minutes of reflexology to really target aching feet and ankles. During your massage you will be comfortably supported in a side-lying position and draped for your comfort. Only the body part being worked on is exposed.