Pregnancy massage provides a beautiful way to nurture yourself and your unborn baby as you embrace the wonderful experience of becoming a mother. It’s a special moment to relax and focus on your self-care when your body and emotions are going through so many changes.
Pregnancy Massage
The Pregnancy Massage I offer is suitable for all stages of pregnancy. It is recommended to have regular treatments to gain the most significant benefits from massage during pregnancy to encourage a more comfortable labour. Many expectant mothers prefer to visit weekly or fortnightly, especially in the third trimester, to feel emotionally, physically, and spiritually prepared for childbirth.
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During the delicate first trimester, my sessions are designed to help you find deep relaxation, alleviate stress, and ease muscular tension while creating a serene space for you to bond with your baby. I understand the emotional and physical changes occurring during this time, and I'm here to provide gentle support to make your journey more comfortable.
Pregnancy massage offers many health benefits that may help to:
Induce deep relaxation and reduce stress.
Relieve muscular tension in back, pelvis, neck, shoulders, and hips which is caused by hormonal/postural changes that occur during pregnancy.
Provides space to explore your feelings and connection with your baby.
Reduces anxiety.
Relieves headaches.
Provides support.
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Moving into the second trimester, the focus shifts to promoting improved circulation, managing any discomfort, or swelling, and helping you find relief from the pressures on your shoulders, back, and legs.
Gentle massage at this time may help to:
Improve circulation which in turn increases the flow of nutrients delivered to the baby via the placenta.
Manage swollen legs and oedema.
Ease your aching shoulders, back and legs.
Encourages peaceful sleep.
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As the birth approaches in the third trimester, pregnancy massage can help emotionally and physically prepare for the birth, release oxytocin into the body, help the body prepare for delivery, release tension, help the baby get into a good position, and support post-natal recovery.
As your birth approaches pregnancy massage may help to:
Prepare you both emotionally and physically for the birth of your baby.
Aid the respiratory system, enhancing breathing during pregnancy and birth.
Releases more oxytocin into the body which reduces anxiety and pain.
Helps your body to prepare for delivery by helping to increase the range of movement in the joints and muscles associated with childbirth.
Releases tension.
Gives you time to connect with your baby.
Helps baby get into a good position.
Supports post-natal recovery.
As an antenatal educator, I take special care to incorporate soothing techniques and compassionate guidance to create a sense of calm and reassurance, and you can take the opportunity to discuss any concerns. I understand that each woman's journey is unique, and I'm committed to offering personalised care to support your needs on any given day, and uplift women as they embark on this incredible journey into motherhood.
You can count on me to be there for you during the transformative stages of motherhood. I'll provide a supportive environment, skilled hands, and a warm heart to give you the comfort and understanding you need.
How many sessions will I need?
Pregnancy Massage
“Following an Emergency C-Section with my first child I desperately wanted to prepare my body for a natural birth second time round. This meant getting myself strong mentally and physically. Gemma’s beautiful pregnancy massage instilled in me inner strength and warmth to my body. It helped me and my baby relax. It helped me to connect with my baby in a calm and pleasant environment. This, I believe, allowed me to go on and have a natural and enjoyable birth- of which I am eternally grateful. Gemma’s massages were not only skin deep but her presence and attitude towards me were so incredibly warming and reassuring- instilling the confidence in me to believe in my body once again, a feeling that had been taken away from me from my first birth. She gave me knowledge on my birthing rights as a women which I found empowering. Thank you Gemma for helping me deliver my Fayrouz into the world the way I wanted".
- Victoria
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Before the massage begins, I always take a full medical history to find out about you and your health and what you need on that particular day. You may want me to spend the time massaging your full body, your back, and shoulders or just your feet! Each session changes depending on what your needs are, so I always listen and never like to presume. When you are ready, I provide the following to help you feel comfortable.
A pregnancy ball to sit on rather than a chair.
Extra padded custom-made double futon to lie on, giving you plenty of room to stretch out and move so you will always feel very comfy.
Massage in the side lying position, well supported by cushions.
Massage over a pregnancy ball.
Warm fleece blankets or cool sheets.
In each session, I take the time to understand your specific needs for that day and adjust the massage accordingly. I want you to feel comfortable and supported, so I provide various options, such as a pregnancy ball to sit on, a padded custom-made double futon to lie on, and different positions to ensure your comfort.
Additionally, I can offer exercise suggestions to improve posture and flexibility which will help your baby’s position for birth. Also, visualisations and breathing techniques to balance the mind and aid overall relaxation.
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When under the care of a fully qualified and experienced Pregnancy Massage Therapist, pregnancy massage is not only safe, but can be completely beneficial to mum and baby, supporting the changes for both throughout all the trimesters. The only times you shouldn’t have a massage is if you experience vaginal bleeding, eclampsia, severe abdominal pain, or vomiting. An experienced practitioner will know if you need to seek medical treatment. Always inform your health care provider that you are receiving Massage or Reflexology treatments during Pregnancy.
Inspired and motivated by my three pregnancies I have undertaken extensive training with experts in their field, and I have the experience to work safely from pre-conception, through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. I’ve learnt lots of specialist techniques, which enable me to help support you and your growing baby throughout your pregnancy towards a vaginal or caesarean delivery, and during the postnatal period.
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My treatments are adaptable for all trimesters of pregnancy. You can visit as soon as you are pregnant and continue to receive treatments throughout your entire pregnancy or alternatively you may just want to experience one treatment…the choice is entirely yours. However, to gain the greatest benefits from massage in pregnancy and labour it is highly recommended that you have regular treatment to form part of your prenatal care. Many mothers-to-be preferring to visit me weekly or fortnightly in the third trimester. It helps them to feel supported and prepared emotionally, physically, and spiritually for birth.
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If you have a high-risk pregnancy, please reach out to Gemma. Depending on the reason for the high risk, a pregnancy massage may not be suitable.
