The Power of Pregnancy Massage and why you should do it!
22 January 2015
By Cath Pilling
Pregnancy massage is a calming, nurturing and soothing treatment for when you need some pampered me-time but it can have many more benefits than just relaxation. Regular treatments can help with all sorts of pregnancy related issues, both physical and psychological, allowing you to enjoy and focus more on the positives of your pregnancy.
1. Massage can alleviate joint and muscular discomfort.
Let's start with the physical effects of pregnancy. During pregnancy, our bodies do some incredible shape-shifting in a relatively short amount of time, all to accommodate and protect those gorgeous babies. So naturally, it isn't always the most comfortable experience for many of us! (I remember all too well!)
In preparation for child birth, the hormone relaxin loosens the cartilage which connects bones, to allow the baby an easier journey into to world. Relaxin doesn't just affect the pelvis though, and this is partly to thank for some women experiencing backache and joint pain as their pregnancies progresses, in addition to the strain on joints from carrying extra weight. Massage can help to ease the stress on weight-bearing joints, whilst encouraging the release of oxytocin and endorphins, hormones which have wonderful powerful pain-relieving properties to help with joint discomfort and muscular pain. (Oxytocin is also naturally released during labour too!)
Uncomfortable muscular tension can often arise from a shift in your centre of gravity and the extra pressure on your body, and is commonly experienced in the upper and lower back, shoulders and neck. The act of massage can help to loosen and alleviate those niggling, sometimes tender areas of tension, helping you feel more physically and emotionally at ease.
2. Massage can help reduce swelling.
Part of the extra weight you carry around is fluid in your lymphatic system which can mean swelling in feet and ankles. Massage encourages circulation and flow of lymph, which can help to reduce swelling. When I'm working on the lower legs and feet, I can often see a reduction in ankle size pretty quickly! Stimulating the lymphatic system also speeds up the the elimination of toxins from the body, so you may find that you go to the loo a little more during the 12-24 hours following a treatment.
3. Massage can improve your circulation.
Efficient blood circulation is absolutely vital to the health of both you and your baby. Massage encourages the flow of blood around your body, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to both off you.
4. Massage can boost your immune system.
By stimulating both your circulation and lymphatic system, massage can also give your immune system a boost. When you're pregnant, the last thing you want is to come down with a cold or flu. Regular massage can contribute to preventing the chances of this.
5. Massage can reduce mood swings and stress.
Hormonal changes mean that our minds can feel a little fuzzy and forgetful, not to mention possibly being a bit crabby and wanting to cry a little more than usual! (I cried at charity adverts a lot!) Pregnancy massage relaxes not only the body, but the mind - which helps to reduce stress and anxiety, can improve clarity of thought, and help alleviate insomnia.
Massage encourages deeper breathing, lowers your heart rate and releases those wonderful hormones - oxytocin and endorphins, which have already been mentioned. Oxytocin also acts an an anti-depressant and stress reliver, and endorphins are known as the happy hormones. Both of these can give you an increased sense of happiness and wellbeing. This can promote relaxation for your baby, and help you get into a relaxed mindset for labour too. How great is that?!
*Please note that for the safety of your baby, pregnancy massage is only suitable during the second and third trimesters.
Cath Pilling is a mum of one, and the owner of Big Calm | Bespoke Aromatherapy, a specialist and bespoke aromatherapy massage service for pregnancy and mental well-being.