Massage during Pregnancy

During pregnancy your body is constantly adapting to hormone changes and your growing baby. It is no wonder then that pregnancy can be a time of great discomfort, as well as great joy.

Pregnancy massage is a slow, rhythmic massage which concentrates on the main problem areas, such as the legs, lower back, neck and shoulders, to help relieve sore, tight muscles and reduce swelling and leg cramps. Massage can be deeply relaxing and is helpful if you are feeling tense and anxious or are having trouble sleeping.

Your pregnancy massage may take place on a massage couch with special holes that support your breasts and bump, or on a regular couch with supporting pillows. A skilled therapist will be able to provide a relaxing massage on either type of couch. Your comfort and safety are important and you should ensure your therapist has completed a course in pregnancy massage.

Your therapist may use a plain, unscented oil, such as grapeseed, or a blended oil containing essential oils that are safe for use during pregnancy. If your partner massages you at home, a good rule to use for oils is: if it’s safe to put in your mouth, it’s safe to use on your body.

Massage eases sore, tight muscles by stimulating blood circulation and warming and stretching muscle fibres. Tight muscles prevent sufficient blood from flowing through the tissues, resulting in a build up of toxins. When muscles are massaged, they warm and relax, allowing fresh blood, with nutrients and oxygen, to flow through the muscle. It also increases lymph flow, which removes toxins and extra fluid, thereby reducing swelling.

Back pain is common during pregnancy due to postural changes, weight gain and the release of a hormone called relaxin. This hormone relaxes the joints and ligaments to enable your body to accommodate the growth of your baby, as well as to prepare for birth.

As your baby grows, your centre of gravity moves forward. Your body tries to compensate for this, which can result in straining the muscles of the lower back. To avoid back pain, stand straight, with your shoulders back and your bottom tucked in. Make sure your chair at work gives you sufficient support. Try sleeping on your side with your knees bent. You may find it more comfortable to sleep with a pillow between your knees, or buy a specially designed pregnancy pillow that supports your back and legs.

Leg cramps are common during pregnancy and are caused by fluid retention as well as the extra weight you are carrying. To ease cramps, ensure you are getting enough calcium in your diet; drink six to eight glasses of liquid daily; avoid standing for long periods; and stretch your legs at bedtime to help improve blood circulation. If you get a cramp in your leg, gently stretch the muscle, massage the leg and apply heat.

During pregnancy your body produces approximately fifty per cent more blood and fluid. To ease swelling, make sure you are getting enough potassium in your diet; avoid caffeine and salty foods; drink six to eight glasses of water a day; avoid standing for long periods; wear comfortable shoes and lie or sit with your feet raised.

Associated treatments include Massage during Labour and Pregnancy Massage

About Tanja Drayton: Tanja is a therapeutic, remedial and sports massage therapist and has also completed a specialised course on massage during pregnancy and labour.

Tanja practises pregnancy massage from her treatment room in Islington, north London and also runs workshops for couples on massage during pregnancy and labour, which can be booked privately at your home or at her treatment room.

For appointments, call 07958 296 547 or see relaxation-online.co.uk