Touch is vital to the mother's physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image.

Pregnancy massage explained…

While a woman is pregnant her body undergoes numerous changes physically as well as physiologically and spiritually. The physical changes can cause stress or discomfort to the mother. Massage is a wonderful way to help alleviate many of these strains.

Pregnancy massage is beneficial throughout the entire nine months of the pregnancy; however, if you are having a high risk pregnancy it is best to discuss your condition with your midwife or physician before seeking a therapist. After doing so you may be able to receive massage work with a written release.

A trained massage therapist can ensure that proper positioning of the mother changes as her pregnancy progresses; for example, after a woman is 22-weeks-pregnant it is no longer safe for her to lie on her back. There are deep blood vessels that can be restricted due to the weight of the baby, causing decreased circulation for both the mother and her unborn child.

A typical massage session takes at least 60 minutes. The mother will be supported with pillows as she lies on her side. She will be draped with a sheet and only the body part that is being worked will be exposed. The treatment room is kept quiet and at a comfortable temperature for the mother, sometimes playing quiet music in the background.

This whole process is real ME time for the mother to relax and unwind.

Benefits that a mother may experience:

• Reduces swelling in hands, feet and ankles.
• Lessens sciatic pain.
• Eases muscular discomfort in areas like the low back & neck, calf cramps, it also helps with tension and tightening that can be experienced throughout the body.
• Tones lose muscles relaxes tense muscles and can help increase flexibility.
• Helps with relaxation, which in turn can decrease insomnia.
• Increases blood and lymph flow which can help increase the elimination of toxins through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, this can also help with fatigue.
• Increases oxygen in the blood, sometimes on up to 10-15% after a massage.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• Stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, into the brain and nervous system.
• Helps relieve anxiety or depression.
• Helps increase blood circulation, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the mother and baby.

From the therapists mouth

In my experience so far in practising massage on pregnant women it has had major benefits in relaxing and also energising the tired expectant mother. The touch of massage therapy also has positive effects on the baby too, the bonding process between mother and baby is increased significantly and the mother can often have an easier pregnancy and birth experience. Most mothers will say they recommend massage during pregnancy to others and they would definitely use it again for their next pregnancy! The following statement from one of my clients says it all…

Testimonial from pregnancy client…

Having never had a massage before I did not know what to expect, and at 8 months pregnant I was a little bit apprehensive. However the experience was wonderful.

I left my first appointment feeling very relaxed and lighter when I walked. Surprisingly I also felt more awake and refreshed than I have done in months.

Thank you Cheryl

Is pregnancy massage for YOU?

Massage during pregnancy is usually safe for most mothers. Your massage therapist will want to know if you are having any problems or complications with your pregnancy before you begin. If you are, then your therapist will require approval from your primary health care provider before proceeding with any bodywork. The following are some of the circumstances in which massage should not be performed:

• heavy discharge
• diabetes
• contagious illness
• fever
• vomiting
• unusual pain
• pre-eclampsia
• high blood pressure
• morning sickness
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea

Regardless of individual circumstances, a pregnant woman's body is challenged, changed and stressed in many ways. Massage gives special attention to the mother-to-be, which in turn nurtures the new life that grows within her.