Finding out you are pregnant is such a wonderful , exciting and precious time in your life. Initially it can be overshadowed by feeling pretty dreadful in the first few weeks, but usually once you enter the second trimester things settle down and you can enjoy the magical time.
With all the excitement of a new baby’s development, comes many changes to the mothers body putting pressure on joints, ligaments and organs, often causing discomfort and pain. Whilst there is much excitement preparing for the birth of the baby, it can also bring with it a great deal of stress and anxiety. There is a large amount of evidence to support the benefits of massage therapy in pregnancy to help to ease these common problems.
Pregnancy Massage can be of enormous benefit to not only the mother, but also to the unborn baby. It emotionally and physiologically supports a woman during a time when her body is undergoing many changes and can help prepare her body for birth.
Receiving regular massage whilst pregnant can make the mother more aware of her own body. This can help with the ability to relax during the 1st stage of labour often resulting in shorter and easier births, less pain and lower rate of postnatal complications. In addition to which it can lead to increased breastfeeding success due to the increased prolactin and mammary development.
Main Benefits of Massage in Pregnancy
Stimulation of the circulation – Helping to distribute essential nutrients and fluid to all of the vital organs, especially the placenta which feeds the baby.
Sluggish bowel movements – are aided helping to avoid constipation and haemorrhoids.
Releases muscular tension – in the upper back, shoulders, lower back and hips. Helps ease pain from sciatica, prolapsed discs and Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).
Induces deep relaxation and peaceful sleep (it is reported that women who sleep well during the last month of pregnancy have shorter labours)
Massage encourages the release of oxytocin – This is a pain reducing hormone providing vital pain relief of pain during labour and birth.
Lymphatic Drainage – Reduce swelling (oedema) by taking away toxins from the cells and blood system.
Helps reduce emotional stress and anxiety and creates a sense of well being.
When I was pregnant with my little boys I had not realised all of the benefits of massage in pregnancy for both me and the baby, so I only treated myself to a pregnancy massage when I started maternity leave. It never occurred to me that it would be lovely to have more regular massages during pregnancy, not only to treat myself to regular time to relax, but also for the huge number of benefits that it provides.
If you would like to book an appointment for a massage or buy a voucher as a gift for a friend at a Baby Shower then do get in touch. I offer appointments from my treatment room in Pocklington or mobile visits on request. You can contact me via the website www.pocklingtonmassage.co.uk; email susannahstuart1@outlook.com or call Susannah on 07989 560480.
