What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy Massage or Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy Massage or prenatal massage as it is often known is a wonderful choice of complementary therapy during your pregnancy. It is a safe way of promoting wellness, as the changes that take place while carrying your baby places stress on your back, neck, abdominal area and shoulder muscles.

What Happens During a Pregnancy Massage?

Each session is tailored to focus on any areas that are causing you discomfort. These can change during the various stages of pregnancy. After I take an initial consultation you will be placed on a massage couch with an elevated back. This relieves any pressure from the lower spine. After the front of the body is massaged, you can choose to either move to a side lying position, where you will be supported with towels for bump and legs, or use the specialised massage chair. Both positions allow for access to the back, shoulders, neck and head.

How Can A Pregnancy Massage Benefit Me?

Shifts in the centre of your gravity affect posture, pulling the pelvis forward and causing strain on the lower back. Not to mention all of the other possible side effects that can take place: Morning Sickness, Swollen Ankles, Headaches, Spotty or Itchy Skin. Just some of the joys that your body can go through during 9 months of your pregnancy!

Although the scientific research on the benefits are limited some studies suggest that a massage during this time can help with some of the following:

1. Headaches can be relieved but focusing on the head, neck and shoulders. They can also be caused by increases in stress and as massage has been proven to reduce the symptoms of stress it can therefore also often bring relief from headaches.
2. Aching or swollen muscles, especially in the legs (due to excess fluid retention), can be reduced by careful drainage techniques.
3. Massage produces the release of serotonin, a natural anti-pain chemical which can help with relieving general aches and pains.
4. Muscular tensions caused by the significant weight baring changes can be eased by gentle massage strokes, relaxing tight and tired muscles.

These are not exclusive but offer an insight into the many and varied benefits of receiving a massage during your pregnancy. Combine this with the general state of relaxation you feel after the treatment and you can see how it can all combine to create a sense of wellbeing that enables you to enjoy this amazing time.

A Tailored Session – Every Time

By tailoring each treatment to suit your specific requirements, I am able to work with you to ensure that every session delivers the treatment you need. Sometimes simply the ability to relax, at other times to alleviate tension, swollen ankles or feet and that never-ending back pain!

I have been treating pregnancy clients for over 18 years and still I am amazed at how each pregnancy varies. Though as a mum of twin girls (now 14), I still remember how my body was affected from almost the first few days of my pregnancy.

How To Book

Pregnancy Massage is suitable from the first days and at the Wellbeing Centre in Kings Hill, West Malling we also offer Bowen Therapy and Craniosacral Therapy which are also suitable for each trimester. We have FREE parking and the building is well lit and there is security on site, which is reassuring for those attending late evening appointments.

Just use our online booking system to make your appointment. Or you can send us a quick message via our Facebook Page with any questions you may have. The Facebook page also has reviews, so that you can actually see what other mums-to-be have felt after coming for their pregnancy massage. Many of which I get to see over a period of time, even babies 1,2 and 3!

There are articles about your health and wellbeing on the website, including a great one of dealing with hay fever and allergies, which can get particularly severe during pregnancy.

A Virtual Tour Of Harmonia Therapies

A walk through of the room and how the couch and chair are adapted to suit every trimester. Keeping your safe and supported throughout your pregnancy. From the first few days to past due dates.

Oils During Your Pregnancy Massage

Hand blended natural oils are used to nourish the skin, including options from Neal’ s Yard Remedies and Songbird Naturals. The products from both are organic and contain no SLS, Paraben’s or chemical preservatives. You can purchase these at the time of your Pregnancy Massage or even buy online. There is also the full range from Tropic Skincare – which is not only safe to use during your pregnancy but full of plant-based goodies, perfect for feeding your skin.

COVID-19

I felt the need to update this article (May 2022) as we are entering a new ‘norm’. However, YOUR health comes first, if you want to take any extra precautions, then please just get in touch. You can access all the policies and see just how everything is in place to keep you safe. If you have any queries, then please do email, or send a message via Facebook.

Post-Natal Support

Do not forget the support is also available once the baby arrives! From a lovely post-natal massage to Baby Massage, Baby Development and Baby Yoga support via Buddha Buddies. This is the sister company and is also run by Rachel Hawkes. The NEW Pre and Post Natal support membership is launching soon via our online platform

For any questions please do get in touch. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram too.