Pregnancy & Sports Massage

Pregnancy is lifechanging for a woman. Not only are they growing another human into life, their own bodies will be making very fast and drastic changes.

Here are just a few generic examples of how the body changes during pregnancy:

- Heartbeat and breathing rate increases

- Breasts become larger and more tender

- Uterus grows putting pressure on bladder

- Mood swings

So what really happens to a woman during pregnancy?

As a foetus develops inside the womb, week by week it will increase in size. So how does the body make room for it so quickly?

The enlarged uterus will put extra pressure on the bladder increasing the need to urinate.

Blood volume increases causing the lower limbs to swell.

Other organs within the body will be pushed upwards giving the feeling of breathlessness and fullness.

Musculoskeletal changes occur via exaggerated lordosis of the lower back (duck back), joint laxity, Widening of the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis, forward flexion of the neck and depressed shoulders.

All whilst holding increasing weight within the pelvis day to day and enduring the hormonal rollercoaster.

Overall it can be an uncomfortable experience for a mother….

So how can Pregnancy Massage help?

- If you regularly received massage before pregnancy you can carry on as normal.

- Aches and pains. As your weight increases, posture changes and emotions heighten it can trigger a wide new range of niggles and discomfort. Massage can act as a natural pain relief, increase range of movement and decrease pain/discomfort.

- Reduce anxiety

- Improve sleep – During and post pregnancy!

- Bonding with baby. A time to slow down and focus on you and baby. A therapist can also gently massage the bump to help stimulate baby, relax abdominal discomfort, aid digestion and also moisturise the area.

- Help first stage of labour anxiety and pain to relax you

- Sciatic and pelvic pain reduction

- Non-pregnancy problems like sinus pain, headaches can help be alleviated through massage when medication options become limited.

- Reduction in swelling (Ankles and feet)

Can I have a Pregnancy Massage?

For women within their first trimester, pregnancy massage should be avoided. Especially for those who have a history of miscarriages, suffer badly with vomiting, nausea or at high risk of placental abruption or premature labour.

Although there is no reason which implies pregnancy massage can cause complications, The best solution would be to contact your GP if you have any questions if you are suitable to receive a massage.