Pregnancy Massage: What to Consider
Pregnancy can bring changes in posture, comfort and muscular tension. Some people choose massage during pregnancy as a way to relax and to support general muscular comfort, but the approach should be adapted to the individual and the stage of pregnancy.
How pregnancy massage differs
Comfortable positioning is particularly important. Depending on the individual and stage of pregnancy, treatment may be adapted using side-lying or other supported positions rather than a standard massage set-up. Pressure, treatment areas and session length should also be appropriate to the person receiving treatment.
What massage can and cannot do
Massage may feel relaxing and may help some people with muscular tension or general physical comfort. It should not, however, be presented as a treatment for pregnancy-related medical conditions or as a way to reduce risks such as preterm labour, gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Claims that massage directly improves a baby’s development are also too broad.
When extra caution is appropriate
Pregnancy is individual, and medical circumstances can vary considerably. Tell the practitioner that you are pregnant and provide relevant health information before treatment. If you have pregnancy complications, significant symptoms, a high-risk pregnancy or uncertainty about whether massage is appropriate, seek advice from your midwife, GP or other appropriate healthcare professional first.
Symptoms that require medical assessment should not be managed as a massage issue. Massage is complementary support and is not a substitute for maternity or medical care.
Choosing appropriate support
Before booking any hands-on treatment during pregnancy, check that the practitioner is appropriately trained and comfortable adapting treatment for pregnancy. If you are looking for general information about our current treatment options at Obtainable Fitness UK in Denham, near Uxbridge, you can view our services or contact the team to discuss what may be suitable.