Why massage matters for mums to be
Anyone who has ever been pregnant will tell you how stressful it can feel at times.
Not only are you anxious about the growing little human inside you, but the general aches and pains as your body changes and prepares for the new life can cause a whole lot of discomfort too!
And don’t think that it’s only the final stages of pregnancy that can be uncomfortable. Right from the very beginning hormones are raging through the body that can make ligaments, tendons, and muscles feel unusual and strained compared to what has been used to feeling pre-pregnancy.
This is why a monthly pre-natal massage is such a wonderful thing to include in the pregnancy care regime.
There are several benefits to pregnancy massage. These can include –
- Decreases stress and anxiety levels. I think we can all agree that there are a lot of factors that can increase stress and anxiety during pregnancy. From concerns for the health of the growing baby to financial, work, and relationship worries. Many studies have shown that massage can reduce the level of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. Keeping this hormone in check improves mood, immunity, and overall wellbeing.
- Lessens swelling of joints. As the baby grows it creates extra pressure on blood vessels and causes low circulation which can result in a build-up of fluids. This commonly occurs around feet and ankles and wrists and hands. Including some gentle lymphatic drainage massage in the monthly massage treatment will greatly improve the body’s ability to remove the extra fluid.
- Improved sleep quality. A good remedial massage increases the production of certain neurotransmitters that have been proven to help regulate sleep rhythms and therefore improve sleep quality.
- Alleviates muscle pain and cramps. Pregnant women also commonly experience muscle pain and cramps. This is due to the extra muscular strain placed on the woman’s body and heightened nervous system activity. A pregnancy massage will ease these pains.
- Many pregnant women experience sciatic nerve pain in their lower back, especially in the late stages of pregnancy. This is because the position of the uterus is resting on the muscles in the lower back and pelvis floor. Massage will help release the tension held in these areas which will greatly reduce the nerve pain.
- And the pregnant mother isn’t the only one to benefit from massage either! Studies have shown that the baby’s stress hormones are also lowered during a massage. So, it’s a win/win for everyone.
Naomi was very much a part of my antenatal team and our monthly appointments couldn’t roll around fast enough. Her knowledge and technique is amazing, I wouldn’t trust anyone else for future pregnancies. I would always leave feeling so relaxed and not having realised how much I needed that massage. Booking is a breeze and of course, she is lovely and friendly!
During my pregnancy, massages with Naomi were extra wonderful. Regular massages with her helped me to cope with all the changes and extra aches and pains in my body. She accommodated my (growing) needs and helped my body navigate a really challenging and uncomfortable yet special time. Naomi’s soothing prenatal massages helped me to relax and reduce stress – both physically and mentally! The appointments were so beneficial for both myself and my growing little one.
I could not recommend pregnancy massages enough, especially at BodyTonic
What’s so different in a pregnancy massage?
The main difference is in how the table will be set up to accommodate the pregnant belly. Normally around the 16 weeks mark the pregnant woman will feel too uncomfortable to lay on her stomach anymore (sometimes earlier, everyone is different). It’s at this stage more pillows, or a pregnancy pillow will be used so that the client can comfortably side lie yet still allow the therapist access to all the affected areas of the body.
Other differences may include the amount of pressure used during the massage. Some women will find that the new heightened levels of various hormones may make them more sensitive to pressure. The therapist will adjust according to what the client requests on the day. Different techniques may also be offered, such as lymphatic drainage, to assist with fluid build-up, etc.
In conclusion, gift vouchers make the perfect baby shower present too! Or a voucher for a post-pregnancy massage will be just what the doctor (or midwife or doula) ordered. A little “me” time for a new mum where she can be the one to be looked after and nurtured is a much-welcomed gift.
To book a pregnancy massage or to buy a voucher please visit
