What Should You Expect From A Pregnancy Massage Session?

As early as the first trimester of pregnancy, most expecting mothers start to notice more aches and pains than usual, and one of the more helpful ways to ease these pains is through dedicated, gentle pregnancy massages.

In particular, back pain, stomach pain and pain in the pelvis are all common parts of pregnancy, and they can potentially make it difficult to sleep, be comfortable and avoid getting stressed out.

This is where dedicated pregnancy or prenatal massages can help to ease your aches and pains, help you feel more relaxed, allow you to get a good night’s sleep and help you feel more comfortable getting around.

Whilst it uses some gentle techniques from Swedish massage, pregnancy massage is far gentler than a traditional massage, with the various techniques adapted to help relax and relieve tension.

These include:

• Gentle circular movements.
• Soft gliding strokes up and down the body.
• Gentle tapping of the skin.
• Vibration and rocking, particularly around the joints and muscles that pregnancy can stress the most.
• Kneading, especially around the lower back.

It will never use more than light pressure and is not designed to dig in and remove knots the way a conventional massage might.

As well as this, these techniques and the massage itself are tailored to each person and each stage of pregnancy. You will be positioned in the best position to remain comfortable and take into account your pregnancy.

This means you will often lie on your left side to allow your heart to work at its best, as well as allow for back massages when you cannot lie on your front. Usually, you are propped up using firm bolsters and pillows to keep you in position and comfortable throughout.

A pregnancy massage can vary in length, typically lasting no more than an hour.

Generally, you should wait until the second trimester (from 12 weeks onward) before you get a pregnancy massage, but your midwife and doctor will be able to advise you on this.