Some massage therapists use aromatherapy oils and burn incense to heighten the sensory experience. There is however, a range of oils which need to be avoided as they can prompt uterine contractions. These include oregano, peppermint, thyme, basil, sage and rosemary. You may prefer the massage therapist uses non-scented or very low scented oils. These include: Sweet Almond, Grape Seed & Coconut Oil.

How much skin you expose during your massage is entirely up to you. Some women are comfortable wearing very little clothing; others want to feel more covered. It is worth bearing in mind though, for you to get the most benefit from your massage, the therapist needs to be able to access as much of your skin surface area as possible. So it is recommended to bring with a set of comfortable boxer shorts as the therapist will also provide you with a boobtube, gown or towels to cover you with.

What makes pregnancy massage different?
Ante-Natal massage differs from general massage because there can be some risks if particular pressure points are stimulated. These are located within your wrists and ankles and massaging them can stimulate the uterus to start contracting. There also needs to be a level of sensitivity and gentleness extended by the therapist, which factors in the baby as well.

But I can’t even lie down!
Equipment required for pregnancy massage can be a little different to the standard issue. Body position during prenatal massage is important in order to maximise the effectiveness of the massage and to fully gain its benefits. Many health and massage professionals recommend a side-lying position for pregnant women during massage using pillows for support and comfort.

Current research supports the use of standard massage tables, rather than those which have a hole cut out in them to accommodate the pregnant belly. “Cut outs” can allow the abdomen to dangle unsupported and cause stretching of the uterine ligaments. However if cut out tables or pillows are used, these should not be utilised for extended periods of time e.g. 10-15 minutes is the maximum recommended timeframe.

How long does a pregnancy massage take?
45-60 min

Aims & benefits of pregnancy massage:

• When done effectively, has been proven to reduce stress hormones within a pregnant woman’s body. It also increases the levels of hormones which tend to be low in women who are depressed.
• It leads to a reduction in anxiety and free floating concerns. There is often an improvement in general mood following a massage.
• Pregnant women often find a massage rejuvenates their energy because it gives them an opportunity to rest and completely relax.
• For some pregnant women, massage can relieve nausea and heartburn. In others, it can make these worse though.
• Relieves the everyday discomforts of pregnancy such as an aching neck, sore back, and heaviness in the pelvic bones, leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet and oedema (fluid retention).
• Leads to muscle relaxation and relief of joint pain. Pregnancy massage can be particularly helpful for women who experience sciatic nerve pain.
• Pregnancy massage may improve the progression of labour with better health outcomes for both the mother and her baby. More relaxed mothers tend to have a lower risk of interventions during labour and birth.
• Improved sleep due to feeling less muscle tension and generally less uncomfortable.
• Excellent therapy for childbirth.

When to avoid having a pregnancy massage:

• If your midwife or doctor have advised you against it.
• Some massage therapists have a policy of not doing pregnancy massages within the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. This is because of the increased risk for miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation.
• If you are in a high risk pregnancy category or have previously had a premature labour.
• If you have Pregnancy Induced Hypertension e.g. high blood pressure.
• If you have pre-eclampsia, or sudden swelling with retention of fluid. If you experience severe headaches.
• If having a pregnancy massage causes you to feel sick, lightheaded, gives you a headache or you don’t enjoy the experience. Don’t feel as if you have to do it just because others feel it’s a good idea. Some women genuinely don’t like being touched and find massages an intrusion of their privacy.
• If you feel the massage therapist is being too vigorous you need to say so. Ask them to be a little gentler and keep the lines of communication open between you both. This is what is termed a therapeutic relationship and it needs to be working for you both in order to gain maximum benefit.

Home care after a pregnancy massage:

• Drink lost of water after your massage to help flush out toxins.
• If you strugeling with lower back pain do gentle exercises like Yoga.
• Morning sickness: Avoid fats, sugars, caffeine, cigarette smoke and processed orange juice. Ginger tea or red raspberry and peppermint in tea will relieve nausea.
• Constipation: Add more fresh dried fruit to your diet. Drink 8 glasses of water per day. Walk on a daily basis.
• Heartburn: Do not consume spicy or greasy foods. Eat four small meals a day.
• Leg cramps: Increase calcium and potassium intake by eating foods such as bananas, gruipfruit, oranges, cottage cheese, yogurt, salmon, sardines, soybeans, almonds and sesame seeds.
• When experiencing a cramp apply a hot water bottle or heating pad.
• Swelling of hands and feet: Avoid processes foods and wear loose, comfortable clothing.