Curious about pregnancy massages? Are they good for you? Are there risks? Find out the benefits and risks of a yummy mummy pregnancy massage.
Massages have long been known to help promote better health, minimise stress and alleviate muscle tension. But are they safe and beneficial for pregnant women?
Modern research says they generally are — and they offer additional benefits for expectant mothers.
Take a look at five reasons to book a pregnancy massage with an experienced practitioner:
Benefit #1: Improved hormone regulation
Regular pregnancy massages—like the one we offer at The Temple Skincare & Spa—are known to minimise stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine, while boosting ‘happy’ hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
This, in turn, is thought to be helpful in reducing the number of complications during childbirth and with the newborn itself.
Benefit #2: Reduced swelling
Massages are great at not only improving blood and lymph circulation, but also minimising the collection of fluids in the joints. In expectant mothers, this whole process can help reduce the natural swelling caused by being pregnant.
Benefit #3: Less pain
The extra weight you have to carry during your pregnancy can cause cramps, spasms and back and joint pain. Pregnancy massages are known to help alleviate all these symptoms by relieving muscle tension.
But that’s not all a good massage can do for you. Studies show a good pregnancy massage is also great for easing the sciatic nerve pain that is common when you’re in your third trimester. This discomfort is caused by your expanded uterus and its growing guest resting on your lower back and pelvic floor.
Benefit #4: Lower risk of stretch marks
A very gentle massage at home with a product like Bio Oil can be beneficial in reducing the stretch marks which appear as your baby grows.
Couple this with sufficient hydration and a healthy diet rich in skin-friendly nutrients, and you have the perfect recipe for minimising your risk of stretch marks lingering after you have given birth.
Benefit #5: Improved sleep quality
Sleep is crucial to good health—especially in expectant mothers. Not only will it help reduce your risk for getting sick, it will improve your mood and energy levels, making your body the perfect habitat for your little one.
With all those aches, pains and nerves brought on by pregnancy, a relaxing massage can help improve the quality of your sleep so you can rest and be ready for your baby’s arrival.
Some things to consider
Pregnancy massages bring a couple of great benefits to the table but there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind.
Before you treat yourself to one, be sure to check with your doctor first. While studies show that prenatal massages are generally safe, every expectant mother is different. What’s perfectly safe for one may cause complications in another.
Second, you need to find someone trained to do a proper pregnancy massage. If you’re in the Hills District, visit The Temple Skincare & Spa, where we offer the services of experienced practitioners.
Our qualified massage therapists will help you relax the tired and aching muscles in your lower back, thighs and feet, providing you with much-needed relief from the physical pressure of pregnancy. To ensure you and your little one’s safety, we will only treat you once you get past your first trimester.
Should you get a pregnancy massage?
If you believe treating yourself to a good pregnancy massage will help you feel like the yummy mummy you know you are, why not book today?
Just make sure you get clearance from your doctor first, and only get your massages from a qualified professional.
Book your pregnancy massage session at The Temple Skincare & Spa today.
