Table of Contents
What is a Pregnancy Massage?
A pregnancy massage is a soft and gentle massage technique created especially for mums-to-be. The reasons why a mother may want to start pregnancy massage treatment can differ vastly depending on the individual. For many women the incentive of a pregnancy massage is in its ability to ease back aches and pains caused through the extra pressure placed on the body during pregnancy.
A pregnancy massage can last anywhere from 60-90 minutes to ensure deep relaxation. Treatment is advised to pregnant women after their first trimester of pregnancy to ensure safety of the baby.
Receiving regular massage treatment throughout pregnancy has several different health benefits. We have put together a list of the top 5 benefits mothers can experience through pregnancy massage treatments.
Mind, Body, and Baby Connection
Not only will a pregnancy massage increase feel-good hormones, but it can also increase the bond with your unborn baby. Mothers are often extremely busy people and may not get enough opportunity to fully focus on their pregnancy. A pregnancy massage will give a mother time to focus all their time and attention on their mind, body, and baby connection. Pregnancy massage allows mothers to be completely undistracted when connecting with the baby that’s growing inside of them.
Can Reduce Ankle Swelling
Swollen ankles are a common complaint amongst pregnant women. The increase in uterus pressure and blood during pregnancy causes swelling of the feet and ankles for most pregnant women. The circular hand movement techniques used during pregnancy massage therapy drains the build-up of fluid, reduces pressure placed on joints, and reduces ankle swelling. An experienced and specialist pregnancy massage therapist will be able to offer a tailored massage to reduce the swelling in any part of the mother’s body.
Improved Labour
Women who had regular massage treatments during pregnancy have reported shorter and easier births. An improved labour experience is a great pregnancy massage benefit that has been experienced by mothers. Any opportunity to alleviate birthing pain and reduce anxiety is wanted by most pregnant women. However, not everyone will be lucky enough to experience improved labour. Every pregnancy is unique, and every individual is different and should consult with their GP before starting treatment.
Better Sleep
A common benefit of pregnancy massage treatment is better sleep quality. Mums to be can find themselves uncomfortable on a night-time. Struggling to get into a comfortable sleeping position can disrupt sleep quality and leave mothers tossing and turning all night. One of the benefits of pregnancy massage is its ability to improve sleep quality by inducing deep relaxation and relieving pain.
Increase in Serotonin
Hormones are an important part of any pregnancy. The increase in serotonin and dopamine released during pregnancy massage treatment will have mothers feeling good in no time. Serotonin plays an important role in body functions such as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, and bone health. Increasing the serotonin that runs through the mother’s body will do more than just make them feel great.
