Working as a reflexologist and massage therapist in Kidderminster I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work with pregnant clients.
Pregnancy massage is available and enjoyed by many women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. This treatment has many benefits for mum to be and consequently the baby. If you are pregnant and thought perhaps massage wasn't available in pregnancy then please do read on to find out more.
A study conducted in Sweden in the 1990's suggested that up to 56% of pregnant women experience lumbar and pelvic pain. Back ache in pregnancy may be common but that does not mean you have to suffer without any treatments to help. If you are suffering from back pain in pregnancy then massage can help to alleviate some of the discomfort just as a massage helps when you are not pregnant. Back and pelvic pain can be a result of altered posture, the weight load form the growing baby, enlarged breasts and hormonal changes. Before a massage do check with your midwife or obstetric care giver that massage is suitable for you and to be sure your symptoms don't need attention from the obstetric team.
My clients enjoy many benefits of pregnancy massage. The most obvious is a great sense of relaxation and reduction in stress and anxiety. Pregnancy can be a wonderfully enjoyable time but for some anxiety and stress can take away the pleasure so massage can help you to feel positive and calm. A renewed sense of relaxation can assist with sleep problems and headaches. If you are experiencing troubling levels of anxiety in pregnancy please do also speak to your midwife. Hypnosis for childbirth provides many techniques to reduce anxiety especially that related to childbirth. Hypnobirthing training is something to consider as a perfect way to prepare for childbirth.
Pregnancy is a time of great change and for some women the effects on their skin can leave them feeling uncomfortable and tight. Massage using a natural oil such as grape seed can help the skin to feel nourished and comfortable with increased circulation. Relief can also be gained from the restless irritable sensation many women experience on their legs. If you do experience itching in pregnancy do get this checked by your midwife to eliminate any conditions that require treatment.
Maternity massage, as with all massage, encourages blood circulation and lymphatic draining through techniques such as efflurage and petrissage. These movements stimulate the skin and underlying tissues to promote the natural movement of blood and fluids. This can alleviate the common pregnancy ailments such as heavy legs and swollen feet. If you have any new swelling you must also contact your midwife or obstetric carer to eliminate any serious conditions.
You may wonder how it is possible to receive a massage with your growing bump. There are a number of ways to position you for your massage but generally the back is massaged whilst you lie comfortably on your side supported by cushions. Your legs can then be massaged whilst you lie in a semi upright position on the couch again supported by cushions. These positions ensure comfort and safety for both you any your baby. It is important that you do not lie flat on your back or front-ways on your bump. there are couches available with slings to enable you to lie on your front with your bump in the sling. These are not advised as they put extra pressure on the ligaments and muscles supporting your growing uterus.
If you have any questions about pregnancy therapies including massage or maternity reflexology then please do contact me.
