Pregnancy can be a truly magical time in your life, whether it happened for you quickly or whether you have waited a long time, all of our pregnancy journeys are different. It is a time in our lives that can bring sheer joy and elation, but it can also often come with a feeling of apprehension and physical changes, which may cause muscle aches and pains, as your body adapts to your growing baby.

Massage can be a great way to help you manage the physical and mental effects during pregnancy. Each treatment is tailored to you, your needs and where you are in your pregnancy journey. The aim throughout your treatment is to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible by using adapted techniques and extra supports to help you get into the most comfortable position for you. A thorough screening will take place so that I can find out where needs attention the most and how I can help you with any aches and pains.

We get a lot of questions about our pregnancy massage treatments, below are some of the most common questions asked.

When can I have a pregnancy massage?

You can book in for a pregnancy massage once you have had your first NHS dating scan and you are over 12 weeks. If, for whatever reason, your antenatal care is consultant led then you may need a letter of consent from your consultant before any treatment can take place.

How late in pregnancy can I book a massage?

Providing the health of you and your baby is ok then you can have a massage right up until you give birth. In fact, partner massage is fabulous during labour to help support you by reducing anxiety, and help you manage the birth process better.

What are the benefits of pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy massage has many benefits including upregulating your parasympathetic nervous system, our rest and digest system, this will help you to relax, lower anxiety and improve your sleep. Massage can help with SPD and pelvic girdle pain, back and neck pain from postural changes and sleepless nights. It can also help to reduce swelling in your legs, feet and hands and much, much more.

How many massages will I need?

If your main purpose for booking a pregnancy massage is to relax and have a bit of time to yourself then you can book treatments as and when you feel you need it. If you are coming in for specific aches and pains then it may be recommended that you book two to three sessions for you to feel the maximum benefit. All treatments are bespoke to you and your needs. If at any time I feel you would benefit from another type of therapy then referrals will be discussed. At Theale Wellbeing Centre we work as a team to get you back to full health and feeling more like yourself again.

Whatever stage you are in on your pregnancy journey, we are here to support you in any way we can. If you would like to book in for a little you time or if you have any further questions about our pregnancy treatments please get in touch with the clinic. We look forward to hearing from you.

Naomi Qualters Fry BSc, ISRM

Soft Tissue, Pre & Post-natal, C-section & Abdominal Scar Therapist.