Pregnancy Massage

I have carried two pregnancies and the one thing I really needed throughout was massage!

During pregnancy the hormone Relaxin releases into the body, the ligaments becomes looser causing muscles to tighten and overcompensate for the lack of stability, this combined with the extra pressure caused by carrying the baby puts the muscles under immense strain.

A common misconception is that massage in pregnancy should be very gentle. Whilst there are some precautions that need to be taken, in general you can have a deep, satisfying massage during pregnancy, and more importantly it is really needed!

Pregnancy massage can be done after 12 weeks gestation, usually following your first scan. The treatment is done in side-lying with plenty of pillows used to support the head, hips and bump. This is actually a really cosy way to receive a massage. I use a combination of stretching, myofascial release and slow deep strokes to release tension throughout the body.

Massage in the weeks leading up to your due date can be a great way to prepare the body physically and emotionally for labour. It is also a good way of increasing oxytocin within the body, which is one of the main hormones of labour.