Pregnancy massage is catch all term for any hands on massage during or after pregnancy (prenatal or postnatal massage)

It is certainly one of the best ways a pregnant woman can indulge in. Pregnancy massage is not so different from other types of massage, as it provides relaxation. It is all about customizing massage strokes and techniques to suit pregnant women’s needs

So if you feel like some pampering during pregnancy, massage for pregnant women can be a good option and it has a lot of benefits

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

• Reduction in anxiety
• Decreased back and leg pain
• Improved sleep
• Decrease levels of stress hormone
• Overall improvement in mood and wellness
• Pain relief
• Improved sleep
• Relaxation and stress reduction
• Relieves muscles and joints pain
• Boosts immunity for mother and baby
• Helps maintain good posture
• Improves relaxation and sleeping habits
• Lowers likelihood of prematurity
• Lessens labour pain
• Bonding with baby
• Sciatic and pelvic pain
• Reduce ankle and feet swelling
• Can relieve headaches
• Encourages better lymph and blood circulation
• Massage for pregnant women can also reduce other normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy
• Increased blood circulation which provides more oxygen and nutrients to both mother and baby
• Stabilizes hormonal levels and helps relieve anxiety caused by hormonal changes
• Helps to lower stress and allows the mother to relax and cope with contractions
• It can shorten labour times by aiding the mother to cope with the experience

Is pregnancy massage safe?

Pregnancy massage is one of the safe complementary therapies you can use during pregnancy.

Generally it is advised to avoid pregnancy massage in your first trimester, especially if you have a history of miscarriages. There isn’t any evidence to prove that massage can trigger miscarriage, but it’s a sensible precaution to take.

It’s also sensible to avoid pregnancy massage if you’re suffering particularly badly with vomiting or nausea, although some specialist massage therapists may actually be able to help alleviate these symptoms. You should also avoid pregnancy massage if you are considered at high-risk of placental abruption or premature labour.

If you’re in doubt about whether pregnancy massage is safe for you, speak to your midwife, GP or obstetrician.