Pregnancy is a time of wonder, exhaustion, aches and pains, joy, excitement, fear and everything in between. At Head To Toe Therapies, we’re passionate about pregnancy, and new motherhood. We want to help you have the most empowering, relaxed and comfortable experience during this time
Pregnancy massage is beneficial throughout the entire nine months of the pregnancy though we do not give treatments until after your first 12 weeks. It is however advised that high risk pregnancies should be first discussed with their GP before seeking a treatment.
You’re welcome to have the whole pregnancy massage just focusing on your back, or you can have a full body massage, or any variation in between. We’ll ask you on the day what you would like as we tailor your treatment to work for you. Variations can include reflexology, thai foot massage or even a relaxing scalp massage.
A typical session would take at least 60 minutes and can go up to 90 minutes, though as a pregnancy advances we advise that longer sessions may not always suit as you draw near to giving birth. You are well supported with pillows and your treatment is carried out as you lie on your side as we encourage a quiet and comfortable time while you are with us.
Benefits that you may experience, there are many more but I hope this list will give an idea of how beneficial massage can be during pregnancy.
- Reduces swelling in hands, feet and ankles
- Lessens sciatic pain
- Eases muscular discomforts in areas like the lower back, neck, calf cramps, it also helps with tension and tightening that can be experienced through out the body
- Tones lose muscles, relaxes tense muscles and can help increase flexibility
- Helps with relaxation which in turn can decrease insomnia
- Increases blood and blood flow which can help increase the elimination of toxins through the circulatory lymhatic systems, this can help also help with fatigue
- Increases oxygen in the blood, sometimes up to 10-15% after a massage
- Strengthens the immune system
- Stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers, into the brain and nervous system
- Helps relieve anxiety or depression
- Helps increase blood circulation, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the mother and baby
- Can be used during the birth as well as after making both experiences easier and more comfortable
- Eases stress mothers often feel after birth
We don’t normally talk during your pregnancy massage because this is your time to relax. You’re welcome to chat if you want to but we won’t interrupt your silence. We massage you at the pressure you want; we’re safe to give you very strong pressure if that’s what you prefer. We’ll find out about the pressure beforehand and ask you to tell us if it needs changing; that way we don’t have to keep asking during your pregnancy massage.
Before we start your pregnancy massage, on your first appointment, we’ll show you how to get super comfortable in bed.
We incorporate various techniques in our pregnancy massages; relaxation, deep tissue, pulsing, stretches, Swedish strokes and more. We give a truly holistic, relaxing and therapeutic experience no matter what pressure you ask for.
A one off massage is a lovely treat but the effects wear off after a few weeks (or sooner if you have a demanding job). Having regular pregnancy massages throughout your pregnancy and beyond will give you longer lasting benefits.
A massage once a week for four to six weeks will build up a good amount of relaxation hormones. You can then go for longer gaps between massages before stress builds up. Dropping down to every other week and then every three weeks is ideal.
WHY GET A MASSAGE
“Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health, when massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care. In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression). These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care. Our massages also help to: