Prenatal Massage

I offer prenatal pregnancy massage in Wakefield. So, you’re in full bloom growing a little person and struggling with the associated aches and pains, I can help.

If you’re used to being fit and active, the gentle and soothing technique of Swedish massage could help you return to fitness more quickly. Pregnancy shouldn't mean you have to stop being active altogether!

Together at my clinic in Wakefield we’ll take the time to make you comfortable and feel at ease before we start. The massage can be approached in a number of ways depending on your preferred position and needs. It’s key that you feel relaxed, and your needs are poiritised throughout.

Symptoms

During these months, your body is undergoing huge changes, many of which you will be happily unaware of. The shifts within your endocrine system (that regulates hormone production) can cause a variety of changes resulting in feelings of worry, discomfort and pain.

These may include:

heel or foot pain (plantar fasciitis)
neck and back ache
cramps anywhere in the body
sleeplessness
slackening of the pelvic ligaments
swollen ankles and fluid retention
feelings of anxiety

Benefits

There are many benefits to prenatal or 'pregnancy' massage, including:

improved lymphatic and blood circulation
can ease tightening of muscles and ligaments due to postural changes
alleviates symptoms of stress and anxiety

The feelings of the mind and body are closely linked and everyone has an individual experience. So, by taking a holistic approach to your treatment, means you will receive an individually tailored experience.

The Science behind prenatal massage

Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscular aches and joint pain. It’s also been suggested that it can improve labour outcomes and newborn health. * Massage is clinically proven to increase oxytocin and reduce adrenaline, therefore reducing stress levels and promoting feelings of calm.

*Sources: 1. Field, T. (1999). Pregnant Women Benefit From Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mar;20(1) : 31-8 2. Field, T. (2004), Massage Therapy Effects on Depressed Pregnant Women. Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jun; 25 (2) : 115-22 3. Howell, Julie, NMT, PMT, Prenatal Health Through Massaage Therapy: For Women and Their Babies.