Pregnancy massage, also known as prenatal massage, is a type of massage therapy designed specifically for pregnant women. This type of massage focuses on the specific needs of expectant mothers, such as alleviating the physical and emotional discomforts of pregnancy, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting relaxation.
During a pregnancy massage, the mother-to-be is typically positioned on her side or with specialized equipment that supports the belly and allows for comfortable positioning. The massage therapist will use a combination of techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and acupressure, to help relieve tension and pain in areas such as the back, hips, legs, and feet.
Pregnancy massage can also help to improve circulation and reduce swelling, which is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and pressure on the blood vessels. It may also help to alleviate common pregnancy-related symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and insomnia.
It is important to note that pregnancy massage should only be performed by a licensed and trained massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage. They should be aware of the specific needs and considerations of pregnant women, such as avoiding certain pressure points and positioning that may be uncomfortable or unsafe.
In general, pregnancy massage is considered safe for most expectant mothers, especially after the first trimester. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before scheduling a pregnancy massage to ensure that it is safe for both the mother and the baby.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage, also known as prenatal massage, offers many benefits for expectant mothers. Here are some of the key benefits of pregnancy massage:
- Reduces muscle tension and pain: Pregnancy massage can help to reduce muscle tension and pain in the back, hips, legs, and feet. It can also help to improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Improves circulation: Pregnancy massage can help to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs and feet, which is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and pressure on the blood vessels.
- Relieves stress and anxiety: Pregnancy massage can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which is important for both the mother and the baby. It can promote relaxation and improve overall well-being.
- Promotes better sleep: Pregnancy massage can help to promote better sleep by reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation. It can also help to alleviate common pregnancy-related symptoms such as insomnia and fatigue.
- Reduces the risk of preterm labor: Studies have shown that regular pregnancy massage can help to reduce the risk of preterm labor and low birth weight.
- Improves the health of the baby: Pregnancy massage can help to improve the health of the baby by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the placenta.
It is important to note that pregnancy massage should only be performed by a licensed and trained massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage. They should be aware of the specific needs and considerations of pregnant women, such as avoiding certain pressure points and positioning that may be uncomfortable or unsafe.
Contraindications to Pregnancy Massage
While pregnancy massage can offer many benefits for expectant mothers, there are some contraindications that should be considered. Pregnancy massage should not be performed in the first trimester, as this is a critical time in the development of the baby. Additionally, pregnancy massage should not be performed if the mother has a high-risk pregnancy, such as a history of preterm labor or preeclampsia. Other contraindications include conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, or a history of miscarriage. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before scheduling a pregnancy massage to ensure that it is safe for both the mother and the baby. A trained and licensed prenatal massage therapist will also conduct a thorough health history and consultation before beginning the massage to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the mother’s specific needs.
Areas we cover
LiveWell Health offer a clinic based and mobile in home service to all expectant mothers as long as they do not have any contraindications to massage.
Given the scale of our specialist team in this area and the fact LiveWell are one of the countries leading companies on this type of treatment, we cover a number of locations across the UK.
These locations include, but are not limited to:
Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds, Wolverhampton, Leicester, Coventry, Derby, Nottingham, Gloucester, Hereford, Worcester and London.
Within these areas, we usually cover around a 20-25 mile radius in and around these town’s and cities. If your location is not listed, but you are close to one of these locations, then please do contact us and we will be able to advise if we can offer you a service in your postcode location. Alternatively you can email us on info@livewellhelath.co.uk for further information or finally, you can go to our online booking system where all our locations are listed and where you will be able to book you pregnancy massage.