Why Come?
Prenatal Massage has many benefits, not just for you but also for your baby.
Pregnancy is a stressful time, physically as well as emotionally. Your body undergoes some fundamental transformations including postural and hormonal changes, along with an increase in plasma and blood volume. Even your organs shift position as your pregnancy develops.
Together, these effects can put significant pressure on the body, particularly on the spine, neck and weight-bearing joints.
A growing body of research indicates that regular Prenatal Massage provides a safe, drug-free, relaxing way to minimise and relieve the common discomforts of a developing pregnancy. There’s also increasing evidence that Pregnancy Massage can improve not only your own physical and mental wellbeing but also that of your baby.
Call Studio Book appointmentIs Pregnancy Massage Right for Me?
Prenatal Massage is both safe and beneficial for the majority of mothers-to-be. You can start at any point in pregnancy, including up to and past your due date in healthy pregnancies.
There are some instances when massage may not be appropriate, particularly in a high-risk pregnancy or with certain health conditions (diabetes or morning sickness for example), so we always advise checking with your doctor or midwife first. Our massage therapists will happy to speak with you to make sure a Prenatal Massage will benefit you – you can contact your nearest studio here.
You may also find that the points covered in our Pregnancy Massage FAQ’s will help put your mind at ease.
Prenatal Massage vs Regular Massage
There are a number of differences between Prenatal Massage and regular massage. You’ll many of them covered in our Pregnancy Massage FAQ’s.
One of the biggest differences is that the ideal position during Pregnancy Massage is on your side with pillows for support – this provides the most stability for the baby and is also most comfortable for you. The massage table is also designed to be propped up so that you can be on your back in a semi-seated position. It can also be elevated at the legs to reduce swelling.
At Ten, you’ll also find that we do not massage the abdomen during pregnancy, unless it is requested. (Though we do encourage mums-to-be to do this for themselves, as it can be ideal for the start of the mother-baby bond.)
Prenatal Massage is usually gentler than many other massage techniques. Additionally, they will often focus more on techniques that aid the circulatory and lymphatic systems, to help ensure a healthy flow of blood to mother and baby, and effective removal of toxins and waste.
The nature of a developing pregnancy means that different areas of the body can become tense and sore. Our Prenatal Massage therapists are trained to identify those areas, and the techniques that will safe, comfortable and effective at relieving them.
Results & Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Specific benefits of Prenatal Massage include:
– Relieving muscle tension by encouraging nutrient and oxygen rich blood flow to the affected areas.
– Encouraging the release of serotonin – a neurotransmitter found to reduce prenatal depression, anxiety and pain.
– Reduced swelling in the legs (particularly after foot massage).
– Relaxing the trigger points and muscle spasms in the head, neck and shoulders reduces migraines and tension headaches.
– Reduced back, muscle and joint pain, including sciatica and leg cramps.