Is Pregnancy Massage Safe? What Every Expectant Mum Should Know

I love being pregnant but my body Sure puts up with a lot. The nagging ache in my lower back, stiff shoulders, bloated ankles, sleepless nights when I can't get comfortable etc So it's little wonder that so many expectant mums begin to think that perhaps a massage could be beneficial and then suddenly panic: is it safe to have one when I'm pregnant? A valid concern and the good news are the answer.

Massage is quite safe for almost all women with an uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy and it can be enormously beneficial, but only if performed by a therapist who has been More exactly trained as a pregnancy massage specialist. That is the important factor here. If you're thinking of having a pregnancy massage in Leamington Spa it's worthwhile to ask whether your therapist has acquired the internationally recognised qualifications in pregnancy massage rather than just opting for a standard treatment, as the technique, positioning and abdominal focus are very different to an ordinary massage.

Why a trained therapist matter

The importance of a trained therapist: A skilled pregnancy massage therapist will always be able to position you comfortably and safely, in your side lying position rather than flat on the front or back. They will be aware of which areas to massage carefully, know how to alter pressure and be aware of any areas to avoid. It is this knowledge more than the massage itself that makes the whole experience safe and untrained massage therapists have nothing to fall back on.

A few sensible precautions

For most clinics it is then advised to wait until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy before the offer of pregnancy massage. This is not because many believe massage can harm a pregnancy but simply out of a sense of caution at this sensitive time when they know that morning sickness will be at its worst.

If the client wishes to continue then massage can be offered over most of the rest of the pregnancy.

There are also a few circumstances where you will need to check with your midwife or doctor first or in some cases massage might not be advisable. These are if you are suffering a high-risk pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, if you are suffering from high blood pressure or if you have previously had blood clots or if you have a complication that your medical team is monitoring.

None of this is to scare you. Just to help you understand why any good therapist will ask your health-related questions before your session, and why you need to be honest.

What you'll feel during the treatment

Most pregnancy massage is gentle and relaxing rather than hard and heavy. It is typically designed to relieve the aches and pains of daily life, to relax your nervous system and to help you unwind. Mums often find it relieves back and hip pain, helps to reduce swollen legs and gives them a well-earned hour of me time no bad thing while you are trying to create one!

Massage by a well-trained therapist is a lovely way to relax and alleviate tension during a healthy pregnancy. They are safe when administered carefully and appropriately. Two points to keep in mind are easy: Find a practitioner trained in preparing pregnant women and chat to your midwife or GP if you are concerned or if you have any complications.

Just do those two things, and you can settle down knowing everything will be okay. You're under enough pressure as it is, and taking care of yourself is a vital part of looking after your baby.