What is a Pregnancy Massage?

A pregnancy massage is a hands-on, adapted massage for women during their pregnancy. Pregnancy massage creates a combination of relaxation and stimulating messages to the receptors which prompts a woman’s body to function throughout her pregnancy effectively. The goals of a pregnancy massage are predominantly the same as a regular massage, but deep tissue techniques will be avoided in certain areas such as the abdomen and insides of the legs.

In which trimester can I get a Pregnancy Massage?

It is recommended that you wait until the second trimester, 12 weeks onwards, to get a pregnancy massage. It is advised to avoid massage during your first trimester, due to the increased risk of miscarriage.

What are the benefits of getting a Pregnancy Massage?

There are many benefits to getting a Pregnancy Massage; some of these include:

• Assists in remedying many of the common discomforts which are experienced during pregnancy, such as muscular discomfort, upper and lower back pain, headaches and leg cramps.

• Increases blood circulation, which provides more oxygen and nutrients to both mother and baby, stimulating the lymph system and helping to increase immunity and remove toxins.

• Stabilises hormone levels and helps to relieve anxiety and depression caused by hormonal changes.

• Relaxes the nervous system by releasing endorphins to the mother’s body. This can help the mother to feel more relaxed and to sleep better.

• Pain relief and relaxation!

How will I be positioned during a Pregnancy Massage?

Your massage therapist will not treat you in the prone, face down position; this is to avoid putting any unneeded pressure on the abdomen or stress on the uterine ligaments. Therefore, you will be positioned in either a side-lying position or a seated position. When in the side-lying position, it is recommended that you lie on your left side, with a pillow under your left hip, due to optimal blood flow to the uterus. You will be supported with soft, additional support such as pillows, towels and cushions to ensure maximum comfort.

When should I avoid getting a Pregnancy Massage?

There are some cases where Pregnancy Massage should be avoided. It is always recommended that you inform your midwife/doctor if you are having massages. The usual contraindications for normal massage still apply, with the addition of the following:

High-risk pregnancy, vaginal bleeding or spotting, threatened miscarriage, history of early labour, placental dysfunction, eclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Booking an appointment 

At Skelian in Cheltenham, we offer pregnancy massages for patients. For women going through pregnancy, this can be a wonderfully relaxing experience. Our pregnancy massages are performed by our experienced sports therapist Dani Cowley. 

If you are interested in booking an appointment, call the clinic on 01242 254000 or book in via our online booking platform by following BOOK NOW link. 

We also have free parking available at the clinic.

We look forward to helping you at our clinic in Cheltenham.