Pregnancy massage
Pregnancy massage is often seen as a luxurious spa treatment, but there is plenty of scientific research to suggest it should be at the top of your essential list of ‘things to do before baby arrives’.
Pregnancy can be a worrying time for many mums to be. A good pregnancy massage can help reduce this stress as well as address common pregnancy-related aches and pains such as - hip, back and neck pain as well as leg cramping and tired/restless legs.
Unlike when you may have been for a massage pre-pregnancy, during a pregnancy massage, you’ll be placed on your side, switching to the other side halfway through and usually ending in a safe position on your back with your head slightly raised above your bump.
Side laying is completely safe during pregnancy. The massage therapist will also offer you blankets and cushions to support your bump or to place between your knees for extra comfort.
Here are 15 reasons why a massage with a qualified soft tissue therapist is one of the most recommended therapies during pregnancy:
Reduce pregnancy aches and pains
Help correct postural issues caused by the weight of your baby
Improve your range of motion and flexibility
Make you feel better in your body and in yourself
Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
Increase overall body awareness by connecting you to your body
Help to connect you with your baby
Make you feel calm and ready for birth
Improve your ability to sleep by calming your nervous system
Lower the effects of restless leg syndrome
Reduce swelling by affecting the lymphatic system - removing excess fluid from the body
Improve common conditions such as wrist pain (carpal tunnel syndrome)
Improve shortness of breath
Increase your endorphins
Potentially make labour easier!
The same goes for a postnatal massage. Don’t forget to continue your self-care post-birth with a postnatal massage to:
- Speed up recovery
- Realign the body
- Help reconnect and heal the core
- Improve your c-section scar (and the associated aches and pains)
- Ease those postnatal aches and pains that are so commonly experienced in the shoulders, hips, lower back and legs.
To read more about the benefits of massage during pregnancy, head over to a 360 Mama (Hannah's) blog here