Pregnancy Massage
Research shows that stress has many adverse effects on pregnancy and learning how to relax is an integral part of most childbirth education programmes and ante-natal classes. Regular massage can support this process as it is a particularly effective form of complementary therapy during pregnancy and in the post natal period.
Studies show that there are many benefits to having regular massage during pregnancy. Massage increases blood circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both mother and baby, thereby boosting the immune system of both. In addition, it aids lymphatic drainage, eases tension, relaxes muscles and calms and de-stresses both mother and baby. It can also help heavy, painful legs, aid sleep and reduce high blood pressure as well as supporting the physiological and emotional needs that naturally arise during pregnancy
Trials performed by the Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology (March 1999) confirmed that massage therapy during pregnancy had very positive results. Reported benefits include:
- Reduced anxiety and improved mood
- Better sleep
- Less back pain
- Reduced stress hormones
- Fewer complications in labour
- Babies with fewer postnatal complications
- A lower rate of prematurity
I have advanced training in Pregnancy Massage, so both mother and baby are in safe hands.
Although massage has never been proved to increase the risk of miscarriage, most mothers-to-be and therapists prefer to limit massage to the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and this is my own philosophy.
