Pregnancy massage has numerous benefits, the main benefit being instant relaxation for the mind, body and baby. However, the treatment is also known to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety which has a positive impact on reducing cortisol which is the stress hormone.
- Relieve aches and pains particularly in the back and hips often caused by postural changes and weight gain. In turn, by relaxing strained muscles this then has a positive impact on easing joint stiffness and muscle tension.
- Improves circulation and reduces swelling by enhancing blood flow.
- Improves sleep as relaxation helps to reduce insomnia and hormone balance as serotonin and dopamine can often increase improving mood and reducing the risk of depression.
- Prepares the body for labor by reducing tension and promoting relaxation.
- Effects on pre-natal depression are said to be comparable to psychotherapy and anti depressants.
Is pregnancy massage suitable for me?
You may be concerned about complications during pregnancy. Massage should not take place in the first trimester and women with difficult pregnancies or preexisting complications should only be massaged upon consultation with the women’s Gynecologist. Generally, deep tissue massage should be avoided to prevent detaching blood clots. However, apart from these precautions, regular relaxation massages can be used throughout pregnancy to diminish stress and various pregnancy-related discomforts. The benefits as discussed in this article were supported by a Systematic Review of Randomized control trials of pregnancy massage (Effects, Side Effects and Contraindications of Relaxation Massage during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials; by Stephanie M Mueller, Martin Grunwald)
A further conclusion of this study was that the therapeutic potential of massage treatments is often underestimated and not optimally utilised.
Here at Health and Harmony in Silsden, Annabelle offers a warm, comforting and completely relaxing space for your treatment.
Should you wish to book a pregnancy massage with Annabelle at Health and Harmony Holistic Massage Therapy in Silsden, please email hello@myhealthandharmony.co.uk or fill out the form on the contact page, and we will contact you back as soon as possible. If you have any queries or concerns, Annabelle would be more than happy to answer them.