Our pregnancy Massage in London is a slow, soothing and calming massage for the various stages of pregnancy after the first trimester. During this massage, you will lie on your side, with pillows, blankets and towels to support and warm your body and bump.
Not only is it a highly relaxing treatment, but it also helps to alleviate side effects such as backaches and swelling.
Pregnancy Massage in London can be of benefit not only to the mother but also to the unborn baby. It can emotionally and physiologically support the mother during a time of great change in the body. Pregnancy Massage can also help the mother prepare her body for birth.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time for a woman, however, every system of the body is affected. The process puts pressure on joints, ligaments and organs, causing discomfort and pain.
Pregnancy can also be a stressful time for the mother, for many reasons. Massage will help with stress levels due to its calming effect. Regular massage whilst pregnant can make the mother more aware of her own body, helping with the ability to relax outside of the treatment.
Pregnancy Massage is safe because it is slow and gentle, treating the client with the utmost care. However, as a complementary therapy, it is not an alternative to normal maternity care. A comprehensive consultation will take place before proceeding with the massage. I will only massage if I feel it is safe to do so.
The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage There are many benefits to a pregnancy massage, it will stimulate the circulation, aiding distribution of essential nutrients and fluids to all the major organs of the body including the placenta.
Pregnancy Massage will release muscular tension of the upper back, shoulders, lower back and hips. It will help with varicose veins developing and with sluggish bowel movement. Pregnancy Massage encourages the release of oxytocin, this is a pain reducing hormone which provides vital pain relief during labour and birth.
Our pregnancy massage in London works with the mother holistically, helping to create a sense of well being. The massage will help in reducing any emotional stress and anxiety that the mother is feeling at this time of change.
The intention of Pregnancy Massage is to induce a state of deep relaxation and enhance the mother’s sleep. It is reported that mothers who sleep well during the last month of their pregnancy have shorter labours. Pregnancy Massage can provide vital monitoring support to the client and her health care professional, such as her GP or midwife.
Contraindications for Pregnancy Massage Pregnancy Massage LondonAny therapies used during pregnancy, including massage must be a complementary therapy and are not an alternative to maternity care by health care professionals.
Most massage is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is a safety precaution as there is a greater natural risk of miscarriage during this time.
Pregnancy Massage is contraindicated or not suitable for pregnant women who are experiencing cramping, bleeding or abdominal or pelvic pain.
Pregnancy Massage should be avoided if the client has been diagnosed with (or has a history of) high-risk pregnancy, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism unless massage is specified by a health care professional.
Pregnancy Massage FAQ 1. It is safe to get a massage during your first trimester? This is believed to be the biggest myth surrounding pregnancy massage. It is indeed perfectly safe to get a pregnancy massage in London or elsewhere in the UK during any semester of the pregnancy, even though many massage therapists do not offer these services due to the fact that miscarriage happens more often in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.
Are there circumstances when massage during pregnancy isn’t advisable? In some cases, it would be inappropriate to perform massage. If the risks outweigh the benefits of pregnancy massage – I’d would not advise you to get a massage.
What is pregnancy massage? Pregnancy massage is the use of therapeutic massage techniques designed to maintain the wellbeing of mother and child. Although pregnancy massage is almost similar to traditional massage, the massage techniques adapted in pregnancy massage are softer and more focused on relaxing the expectant mother and relieving discomfort.
What to expect during a pregnancy massage? Safety and comfort are crucial in a pregnancy massage treatment. Therefore, you may be asked a few questions about the type of massage you’d prefer. Usually, the most comfortable position for an expectant mother during a pregnancy massage is lying on one side.
You also have a choice when it comes to how much clothing you’d like during the massage session. A typical pregnancy massage treatment should last around one hour.
Some of the most effective types of pregnancy massage types to choose from include:
Swedish massage: This is a popular pregnancy massage technique that adapts the use of long strokes over tight muscles Deep-tissue massage: The technique involves pressing firmly and deeply into muscles Shiatsu: This is a Japanese pregnancy technique that relaxes the body and reduces stress by applying comfortable pressure to the muscles 5. Is it safe to have a pregnancy massage? While pregnancy massage is good for expectant mothers, it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, you need to consult with your midwife before considering this treatment. Moreover, an experienced midwife is knowledgeable enough to recommend the best type of pregnancy massage and therapist suitable for your specific needs.
This is very important because your midwife or G.P might even recommend a skilled therapist who specialises in an antenatal massage. To be on the safer side, conduct some background checks to ensure the therapist you choose is trained, certified and licensed.
However, due to the increased risk of experiencing a miscarriage during the first few weeks of pregnancy, undergoing a pregnancy massage in the first trimester is discouraged in some facilities. Pregnancy massages on the abdomen are also discouraged during this period.
Pregnancy massage is increasingly becoming popular in most parts of the world due to the benefits associated with it. Most of the women who have had a chance to undergo pregnancy massage have claimed to have realised an improvement in their overall prenatal health.
Some of the most notable improvements include:
Relief from joint pain and other aching muscles Reduction in stress and anxiety A significant increase in the “feel-good” hormones Feeling rejuvenated and more energetic Better sleep patterns Reduced oedema Improved oxygenation Improved labour outcomes Improved newborn health Improved cardiovascular health 8. How is pregnancy massage different from regular massage? While pregnancy massage involves the use of massage techniques similar to those of regular massage sessions, pregnancy massage is considered a treatment procedure designed to improve the overall health of an expectant mother. Massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as a physical and emotional supplement for improving maternal health and pregnancy outcome.
Unlike regular massage, you have to speak with your obstetrician or midwife before beginning a pregnancy massage. More importantly, there are certain guidelines in a pregnancy massage to ensure the treatment is safe and beneficial to the expectant mother. With regular massage, you don’t have to observe stringent safety precautionary measures. In addition, the treatment session should be performed by a qualified professional who knows how to handle an expectant mother safely and choose the most appropriate pregnancy massage type that suits specific needs.
During a regular massage session, you might spend half the time lying face-down on your stomach, which is definitely uncomfortable for a pregnant woman. Furthermore, lying facing up is also uncomfortable as it puts pressure on major blood vessels and inhibits blood flow, a position that may make an expectant mother feel nauseated. On the other hand, pregnancy massage is adapted to suit the anatomical changes you go through during pregnancy.
However, if your partner is around, he should consider these pregnancy massage tips when performing an at-home pregnancy massage:
Gentle foot rub: Your partner should rub the top of your foot with gentle pressure using lotion for smoother strokes. The rubbing should start from the toes towards the ankle while making small circles around your ankle. Have him make small circles on the sole of your foot beneath the toes using his thumbs. He can move one thumb up as the other moves down on the heel and keep alternating the movement for optimal effect. He can also use the index finger to tug on each toe and rub between them. Remind him to avoid triggering contractions by exerting direct pressure between the anklebone Backrub: Have your partner stroke the back up and down with his both hands while sitting up or lying on your side. It is advisable to use lotion or massage oils to glide his hands. The up and down strokes can transition to the kneading of the muscles on either side of the spine with his thumbs Shoulder rub: Have your partner use the pads of his fingertips or the base of the hand to apply gentle pressure on your neck and glide between the base of the skull and top of the shoulder Scalp massage: Ask your partner to perform a scalp massage by using both hands and spreading his fingers to apply pressure on the scalp from the base of the skull to the hairline. With a gentle stroke of the face and circling of hands together and apart, you’ll experience amazing relaxation Belly: Use Vitamin E oil to rub the belly gently for a soothing effect. This will also prevent stretch marks. Massaging the belly can be uncomfortable and unsafe 10. What A Pregnancy Massage Entails? Pregnancy massage is no longer regarded as a preserve for people who are looking for alternative therapy solutions as was the case a few years ago. Prenatal massage therapy has become popular in the modern world because every expectant mother seems to be on the lookout for ways to improve her wellbeing.
A massage treatment that reduces stress-related hormones, relaxes the muscles and makes one feel rejuvenated is vital to the overall maternal health of a pregnant woman.
The techniques applied in the Swedish massage for reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow makes it perfect for pregnancy massage. A pregnancy massage should only be performed by a certified therapist who has received training that is beyond the standards of regular massage therapists.
A certified prenatal massage therapist knows how to address specific pregnancy massage needs.
The equipment used during a pregnancy massage include:
Floor mats and low massage beds Massage tables Massage cushions made of firm foam Although you can easily find a local therapist online, it is always advisable to ask for recommendations of reputable pregnancy therapists from your midwife or doctor. Don’t shy to ask the therapist to explain his or her training and level of qualification before you begin a treatment session. All in all, the pregnancy massage treatment should be a special time to treat your body, unwind your mind and relax.
As your body goes through the pregnancy period, the chemical alterations and physical alterations may cause uncomfortable pains. Pregnancy massage reduces this problem by:
Decreasing indigestion, constipation, heartburns and gas Reducing fluid retention Easing cramps Diminishing sudden headaches Moderating swelling Lessening varicose veins Relieving joint pains and aches in muscles Boosting your energy levels and significantly treating fatigue 12. When should I avoid a pregnancy massage? Expectant mothers with a high risk of experiencing premature labour shouldn’t undergo pregnancy massage treatments. Pregnancy massage might also be unsafe for expectant mothers experiencing nausea and headaches. Women who recently gave birth, experiencing high blood pressure, have preeclampsia or Pregnancy Induced hypertension (PIP) should consult with a health care provider before receiving pregnancy massage.
During pregnancy, you should never book an appointment with a massage therapist who doesn’t have the pregnancy massage qualifications. You should consider pregnancy massage when you’re more than 12 weeks into pregnancy.
Undergoing massage after giving birth helps in recovering the pelvic floor, tightening up loosened skin, reducing the caesarean scar and generally spending some good time unwinding away from the baby.
It is a perfect way to look after yourself after the baby arrives. Furthermore, it is a great way to deal with the physical demands of caring for your newborn baby.
The stimulating aromatherapy oils used in traditional massage sessions are also too potent and thus can influence foetal cell development. Although peppermint oil is recommended to help curtail the morning sickness nausea in the first and second trimester, you should avoid it when approaching your final trimester as it is thought to decrease milk production.
Hence, instead of using oils such as sage, oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil and peppermint, a seasoned pregnancy massage therapist will use scent-free or low-scented oils to ensure the treatment is safe for an expectant mother.
Your best bet is considering diluted/gentler essential oils such as neroli, bergamot, sandalwood, grapefruit, and lavender. These oils are safe for pregnancy massage in the second trimester of pregnancy onwards.
Contact us today for pregnancy massage in London To book pregnancy massage today, contact us on 07904 786 888. A thorough assessment is conducted before we carry out pregnancy massage. This helps to ensure you are suitable for this form of massage having regard to a number of factors. We look forward to your enquiry today. You may also contact us by using our online contact form.
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Ohh, I love massage! I've been dealing with back pain even before getting pregnant. Being on the 25 the week, things are getting worse day by day, and massage is really helping me. I don't want to take medications since I don't want to risk my baby's health, so the only escape for me is regular massage sessions. I am getting ready for labor day, doing exercises and everything to make the delivery easier. I even ordered some cute outfits from matchinggear.com for my angel and me!
Ohh, I love massage! I've been dealing with back pain even before getting pregnant. Being on the 25 the week, things are getting worse day by day, and massage is really helping me. I don't want to take medications since I don't want to risk my baby's health, so the only escape for me is regular massage sessions. I am getting ready for labor day, doing exercises and everything to make the delivery easier. I even ordered some cute outfits from matchinggear.com for my angel and me!
Yeaah, massage is the best when having back pain!