A massage is a wonderfully reviving treatment to go for at any point in your life, but if you’re expecting a child it can really help restore you, reducing any stress and anxiety you may be experiencing, while supporting blood flow, boosting your mood and helping ensure that you get good quality sleep… and with Mother’s Day just a week or so away, now’s the perfect time to give yourself a little treat!
Massage is also a brilliant way to de-stress and, as we all know, stress in expectant mothers can make pregnancy even more challenging, leading to problems with sleep, headaches, a loss of appetite or a tendency to overeat – but going for a massage can help you keep on top of any stress or anxiety you might be feeling at the moment.
Various different techniques are used in pregnancy massages and they’re largely the same as those used in traditional massages, although your practitioner will adapt their methods to suit where you are in your journey.
Although medical advice is that you shouldn’t go for this kind of massage in the first trimester, rest assured that it’s perfectly safe from the second trimester all the way up to the time you’re ready to give birth.
Particular attention will likely be paid to your back, shoulders and neck, as pregnancy can put significant strain on these parts of your body – and you’re sure to leave your session feeling like a brand-new woman!
On the day itself, your therapist will go through a series of questions with you about your health and lifestyle, before asking you to lie on a bed that will have previously been made safe, comfortable and inviting for pregnancy massage.
Sessions usually last an hour and will involve your entire body, including a bump massage – so if this isn’t something you’re comfortable with, make sure you tell your practitioner. Specially applied massage pressures are used to encourage lymph and toxin drainage to reduce puffiness and swollen ankles.
Once the therapist has finished, you’ll be offered a glass of water, which is very important to take so that you don’t dehydrate.
In terms of safety, going for a massage while pregnant is generally considered to be beneficial to do, but it’s important to find a qualified and professional therapist who knows what they’re doing. If your pregnancy is high risk, however, it’s advisable not to book in for a massage.
Focusing on health and wellbeing is important at any time, but especially so if you’re pregnant – and the good news is that there’s a lot of fun to be had.
As well as pregnancy massage, you could consider going for a pregnancy and new mum yoga class, or perhaps a pregnancy workshop or two. Other safe and beneficial treatments include reiki, reflexology and facials, so you can pamper yourself to high heaven!
If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the 50 Hill Rise team today.