The perfect pregnancy massage
Quiet, calm & relaxing
Getting massages before your baby is born can be a wonderful way to get some much needed relaxation before the birth of your baby. Pregnancy massage can help to relieve:
- anxiety
- discomfort
- pain
- aches
Meet your pregnancy massage specialist: Laura
Get in touch
Pregnancy massage reviews
"I was looking for a pregnancy massage near me and I found Laura at The Wellness Centre on Abbeydale Road. I was in quite a lot of pain with my pelvis and back and really in need of a relaxing massage.
The massage itself was done on the floor on the most comfortable beanbag which I found very easy to relax into. The whole session was just amazing, I left feeling relaxed, uplifted and totally at ease. Thank you Laura!"
Pregnancy massage benefits
Massage can be very beneficial for most people regardless of whether they are pregnant or not. There are potentially several benefits to getting a massage prenatally or postnatally. They include:
- A massage could reduce the effects of headaches or migraines which can be very helpful for pregnant women as they can't take many medications.
- Massage has been shown to reduce morning sickness
- A massage can help with back pain
- Massage during pregnancy can also help with leg cramps and reduce the swelling of joints, especially the ankles.
- A massage with a moisturising or nourishing oil could also reduce the chances of stretch marks developing.
- Postnatally massage can help to tackles aches and pains from the birth and the body adjusting to not carrying a baby.
- It can also provide some much needed time to yourself in order to gather your strength for the almost constant attention the baby needs.
Why are pregnancy massages at the Sheffield Wellness Centre done on the floor?
If you have never been pregnant before you may have difficulty appreciating just how difficult it can be to move around when you are carrying a baby (or two!) There are some spas and massage centres who use a standard massage bench for pregnancy massage but these can make it very difficult for the mum to be to access.
Moving round on a massage bench in your third trimester is not only a fairly undignified affair but can also be rather unsafe.
It is for this reason that we have developed a floor based massage process for pregnant mums.
More space + more comfort = relaxation!
The massage itself is done in The Studio at the Wellness Centre so there is plenty of room for you and your therapist to be comfortable for the duration of the session.
The massage area is tastefully decorated in order to be a soothing and tranquil space. The mum to be lies on a 'throne' made of pregnancy beanbags, memory foam cushions and soft blankets. We have found this is the best way to have an accessible area that moulds to the needs of each individual woman. The massage therapist knees beside the pregnant mum which reduces the risk of being on a couch and makes for a much more relaxing experience.
We know that your sense of smell is likely to be a lot more sensitive during pregnancy so a range of scent-free oils are available for your massage. The room also has relaxing music available for the duration of your massage but equally the room can just be nice and quiet.
The first postnatal massage can be tough
That first massage after the birth can be a difficult one. You may need, crave and deserve a massage but leaving your small with someone else (even family) can be difficult for a new mum.
It is for that reason that we have pamper parties at the Sheffield Wellness Centre where between two and four people can attend a massage session with their non-mobile babies. You would have your massage in the same room as your child while friends or family members care for your baby. You would then swap around and look after their child while they get a massage.
In this way you wouldn't be too far from your child and can still get some much needed recouperation and time out of the house with friends or family.
When is the best time to get a pregnancy massage?
Many women say that the second trimester is the best time for a massage because:
- you are likely to have more energy than the first or third trimesters
- Morning sickness is likely to be over
Regular massages can make a big difference
A massage could make a huge difference to how you feel as well as how you think and it is for this reason that many mum's to be have several massage sessions throughout their pregnancy. They become a real focal point for the week and the release of oxytocin and endorphins can lead to a real up lift in mood.
Tailored care with an expert therapist
Your pregnancy massage therapist will always ask you before the session as to how your health has been before the massage begins so that the treatment can be tailored to you and your needs. Be sure to tell them of any particular aches and pains as they will do their very best to either treat them during the session or work around them by making you as comfortable as possible.
How much does pregnancy massage cost?
A one hour pregnancy massage at the Sheffield Wellness Centre costs just £50.
When should I not go for pregnancy massage?
A massage in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is not advised. Other reasons to not have a massage are if you have:
- Morning sickness/nausea
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Pain/cramps
If you are in any doubt about whether a massage is right for you be sure to discuss your situation with your massage therapist, Laura.