I
t’s true that massage offers
a retreat away from the
constant Christmas carols
and endless “to-buy” lists,
but for mums-to-be, massage can be
beneficial in a huge range of other
ways. The American Pregnancy
Organization highlights studies
that show therapeutic massage
based on Swiss techniques can help
with everything from muscle and
joint pain to decreased chance of
depression and improved labour.
With that in mind, it might be worth
bumping up a package of weekly
or bi-weekly massage and facials to
the top of your own wish list this
Christmas. However, make sure the
Santa in your life knows that not just
any massage will do. Choosing a safe
spa experience is all-important for a
mama-to-be.
First port of call on the quest
for a heavenly massage is a trained
therapist. Do ask about qualifications
and experience, as prenatal specialists
should be aware of changes in the
body and will adjust their treatments
accordingly. They’ll suggest ways to
lie comfortably – and safely – and
pinpoint high-need areas that may
differ from the usual trouble spots.
A specialist will also know to stay
away from sensitive pressure points
found on the ankles and wrists that
can stimulate the pelvic muscles and
may bring on contractions. Do let
therapists know where you are in your
pregnancy, even if it’s early on and
unconfirmed, and do tell them if you
have experienced any Braxton Hicks
contractions.
Timing is everything
Contrary to popular belief, massage
is a safe option in each of the three
trimesters, but which massage you
have and when can make all the
difference. In the first trimester, the
body is working overtime to grow
another human being, says pregnancy
massage trainer and founder of A
Mother’s Touch maternity support
organisation, Liz Purnell-Webb.
Sickness, tiredness and ramped-up
hormones all occur during the first
three months of pregnancy, and
so massage can nurture and calm,
and
Pregnant
pampered
Put a pregnancy “pamper me” package at the top of your Christmas list,
but make sure Santa knows the safest options to shop for, writes
Elle Kwan.
but avoid anything too hard-going,
says Liz. “Overly vigorous massage,
long lymphatic massage and lots of
reflexology overload the body and you
don’t want to put the body under any
more pressure than it is already under
growing the baby,” she says. Instead,
opting for a gentle, nurturing massage
will do wonders for a mum-to-be’s
sense of well-being and will help
banish stress and worry.
By the second trimester, pregnant
mums are said to be in the “blooming”
stage. With morning sickness –
hopefully – dissipating, skin glowing
and hair lustrous, this is the time to
pamper and enjoy the experience
of being pregnant. The body is now
able to cope with lymphatic massage
that rids the body of toxins and shifts
any excess fluid found in the body
– helpful for those suffering excess
swelling. If a baby is developing on
the small side, an abdominal massage
has been shown to be able to tone the
uterus and encourage growth, says
Liz, as well as to increase circulation
to the placenta. Some treatments
will also help ease varicose veins and
December 2013
55
