Pregnancy massage: support during a special time
I've been massaging pregnant clients in Bristol for the past ten years. Pregnancy is a time of enormous change in the body; it’s an especially important time for expecting mothers, and I take this work very seriously. With so much happening physically and emotionally, massage can be a wonderful way to offer support and encourage healthy rest.
Pregnancy massage is a really special treatment and I love offering it. Sometimes clients haven’t told many people about it yet because they’re waiting for it to fully establish. They might share the news with me so that we can adapt the massage to suit their needs, and that always feels like a real honour.
Alongside my decade of experience, I recently completed a pregnancy massage workshop with Heidi Armstrong, who is very well regarded in the field. It was a wonderful day of learning and practical work, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The course deepened my understanding of how massage can safely and comfortably support people during pregnancy, and I’d love to share a little more about that here.
Understanding your changing body during pregnancy
Before attending the workshop, we completed some online learning that explored the different stages of pregnancy and the many changes taking place in the body. Each trimester brings its own adjustments, from hormonal shifts to changes in posture as the body gradually adapts to supporting a growing baby.
It’s usual for people to experience discomfort during this time. According to the NHS, many pregnant people develop back pain and pelvic discomfort as the body changes shape and the centre of gravity shifts. Additionally, there is a long list of symptoms and ailments that can commonly crop up.
Massage can help bring gentle relief, while also offering time to relax and reconnect with the body during a busy and sometimes overwhelming period.
A comfortable and supported massage position
One of the key elements of my practice and in the workshop training is the side-lying massage, which is generally the most comfortable and supportive position.
When you come in for a massage with me, you don’t need to worry about how to position yourself. Come as you are, and I’ll guide you through everything.
I’ll answer any questions you have, and explain how to be most comfortable on the couch. Often we’ll use bolsters and cushions arranged around the body, so that you're feeling secure in a position where you can completely relax and feel supported throughout the session.
Areas that pregnancy massage can help
Many people find their back, hips, and legs become tight as pregnancy progresses, and in the side-lying position, we can massage lots of these places.
Working into the neck bring relief to the upper back. Naturally there can be a lot of ache or pains around the lower back and into the glutes, so we can really focus on bringing relief to these areas too.
I’d like to note that massage during pregnancy doesn't have to be super light and feel like nothing's happening either. Pregnancy massage can have depth and intention and feel like it's thoroughly worked into areas. It's just about being mindful and checking in with the client, being guided by their feedback and my professional training to ensure a safe and supportive treatment.
Swelling in the legs and feet can occur, which is something the NHS reports as quite common, so we can also bring attention to these areas while doing some shoulder and arm mobilisation for a full body programme.
Every pregnancy is different
One thing always remains true: every pregnancy is unique, so the person experiencing the pregnancy is the expert in their own body.
Like all of my holistic massage treatments, each session is shaped around what you need on the day, and before every session we talk through how you’re feeling and whether there’s anything you’d like to focus on.
If you’re pregnant and curious about whether pregnancy massage might be right for you, I’d love you to get in touch with any questions. We can talk things through and decide together what would feel most supportive during this special time.
