Massage During Pregnancy

Massage has many benefits; it relaxes and softens tight muscles, improves circulation, may reduce the discomforts of pregnancy, improves sleep quality, can reduce stress and anxiety levels, reduces muscle pain and cramping, may reduce nerve pain, and may even help reduce your baby’s stress hormones. It’s a little bit of “you time” as well!

Massage helps raise the levels of your feel good pain relieving hormones – the endorphins- which will enhance your mood and will even flow through to your baby.

Long slow sweeping strokes, called effleurage, are very soothing massage strokes and will aid in lymphatic drainage and reduction of fluid. There are some acupressure points that are not recommended to be used in pregnancy due to the risk of potential miscarriage or early labour, however the evidence is not conclusive.

During your Hypnobirthing Australia ™ class you and your partner will learn some acupressure points that you can safely use to reduce pain in labour and strengthen contractions.

Essential oils are very potent substances and are very popular in today’s society but It is not recommended that pregnant women use essential oils in the first trimester. Some are safe to use in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters but with caution; you should check with a reputable source or your GP prior to using them. It is advisable that a pregnant woman never take essential oils orally. Some essential oils such as Clary Sage and Jasmine may even be used during labour to strengthen contractions but should not be used before this..

You should check your massage therapist’s qualifications and experience before booking in for a massage to ensure you receive the safest and most beneficial treatment for you.

I have been using massage to help my clients especially pregnant women for over 30 years and have found that it can really help you during pregnancy. I like to combine it with gentle heat and relaxation/pregnancy hypnotherapy to give you a really special experience!