Pregnancy Massage Moorgate, London

 

Above and beyond a standard relaxing massage, a pregnancy massage is specialised to the areas of the body and the feelings associated with pregnancy.

In Moorgate, individuals expecting a baby are able to attend specialist pregnancy massages at Bodywork Massage and take advantage of a host of benefits.

As every system within the body can be affected by pregnancy, a pregnancy massage in Moorgate helps to alleviate some of these symptoms and help the individual to prepare for birth.

Working with a massage specialist, individuals can communicate with the specialist, Lubna, to get the most out of their pregnancy massage that they can in the most safe and appropriate manner.

Not all individuals may be suited to a pregnancy massage in Moorgate, but more on this is covered later in the article.

Benefits to a pregnancy massage in Moorgate

As mentioned in the introduction, there are many benefits to receiving a pregnancy massage – both to the individual carrying the baby, and to the unborn baby itself.

Boasting both emotional and physiological effects, a pregnancy massage can be a great way for the pregnant individual to adjust to the changes within the body and help prepare for the baby’s birth.

Pregnancy is known to have serious impacts to the individual’s body (including vital systems and functions), but it can also have a serious impact on an individual’s mental health.

Studies show that this includes serious impacts such as anxiety, depression, and stress which can all impact the unborn child’s health (1). This is why the relaxation elements of a massage can greatly help.

The benefits of a pregnancy massage are categorised into physical benefits and mental benefits in the following two subheadings.

1. Physical health benefits

Most of the benefits of a pregnancy massage are benefits of massages in general.

For example, the specific movement of a massage promotes blood circulation which, in turn, aids the flow of vital nutrients and hormones around the body.

For a pregnancy massage, this can include promoting movement of nutrients and vital chemicals to the placenta – the temporary connecting organ between the pregnant individual and their baby which transfers oxygen but also additional nutrients while filtering out waste.

In addition, a massage is generally received to alleviate bodily aches and joint pain which is very common among pregnant individuals. This also promotes wellbeing around the body; it is detecting less areas of pain and is therefore able to focus energy elsewhere.

In general, the state of deep relaxation that a pregnancy massage in Moorgate provides is of undeniable benefit to the individual.

Lubna at Bodywork Massage is also able to liaise directly with the individual’s healthcare professionals to discuss any specific issues.

2. Mental health benefits

Perhaps less considered than the physical health benefits, the mental health benefits of a pregnancy massage in Moorgate are just as important.

When the body is physically relaxed, it is easier for the mind to follow suit.

For example, a pregnancy massage can boost the individual’s energy levels, promote the circulation of positive hormones around the body, and generally reduce stress and anxiety that the individual may be struggling with.

Should the pregnant individual find that they are struggling with issues such as anxiety and depression, a pregnancy massage should not be their only source of treatment and should always be conducted alongside additional specialist treatment such as that found through therapists and counsellors.

Studies have shown that, in the world of sport and sport massages, the combination of intermittent exercising and sports massages boosted the participants’ self-confidence (2), showing the importance of combining different treatments.

How does a pregnancy massage in Moorgate work?

While many regular massage techniques are used during a pregnancy massage in Moorgate, there are some differences, mainly due to the risks of the pregnancy itself and the experiences that the pregnant individual has had.

For example, Lubna will always ensure that the individual is comfortable and satisfied with their positioning before beginning any massaging. This includes lying on the individual’s side, as well as supporting and bolstering the body with blankets and pillows to ensure maximum comfort.

In some cases, a pregnant individual may also request heating pads, hot water bottles, or other sources of support to ensure that they are as comfortable as possible.

The pregnant individual can give full direction into what they find soothing and what is uncomfortable throughout the massage – every massage is different and can be tailored to the individual’s requirements i.e., specific areas of the body, more or less pressure in some areas.

Pre-assessment and approval for a pregnancy massage in Moorgate

As mentioned throughout this article, a pregnancy massage in Moorgate is not a complete treatment by itself and must be combined with additional practises to support the pregnant individual as part of a complete treatment during their pregnancy.

Lubna will always conduct a pre-assessment or consultation to ensure that a pregnancy massage is suitable and will not cause any additional harm to the individual or their unborn child.

Some factors that may influence whether a pregnancy massage is suitable or not are suggested below:

• The first trimester – though possible, it is not generally recommended to have a pregnancy massage in the first twelve weeks of the pregnancy due to the increased natural risk of miscarriage during this time.
• Cramping and bleeding – if a pregnant individual experiences any of these symptoms, they should seek medical advice and support before receiving a pregnancy massage. It is not generally approved in these cases.
• Abdominal and/or pelvic pain – as this is a large focus of the massage, any dangerous or risky symptoms of pain in these areas should indicate that a pregnancy massage may carry increased risk.

What to expect with a pregnancy massage in Moorgate: types of massage

At Bodywork Massage, and for pregnancy massages in Moorgate, there are a few types of massage that an individual can expect to see due to their effectiveness and efficiency in their treatment.

The most common of these massage techniques are outlined below:

• Swedish massage – characterised by long and flowing strokes over the muscles, this is a common technique to alleviate tension and tightness across different muscle groups.
• Deep tissue massage – characterised by firm and deep pressure into the muscles and tendons using slow movement, often using parts of the body such as the elbows and/or forearms.
• Shiatsu – based on the Japanese ideas of ‘qi’ or flow around the body, this technique is often carried out while the client is clothed, using thumbs, fingers, and palms to create pressure to treat stress, anxiety, insomnia, and general muscular pain.

Other forms of massage are available, so get in touch and speak to Lubna today about specific forms and requirements.

How does a pregnancy massage in Moorgate differ from a regular massage?

In general, the key differences between standard massages and pregnancy massages are the purpose of these practises.

Where a standard massage can be used sporadically and as a standalone care technique, a pregnancy massage is considered to be a full treatment procedure, with multiple and regular sessions recommended to get the most out of the individual’s experience.

Pregnancy massages in Moorgate can be worked into an individual’s existing prenatal care programme, though it does require the approval of and go-ahead from the pregnant individual’s obstetrician or midwife before committing to or attending any pregnancy massages in Moorgate.

In addition, individuals must also consider the safety guidelines of which there are far fewer for a standard or standalone massage.

Pregnancy massages at home: top tips

For pregnant individuals looking for a pregnancy massage in the meantime, there are some practises that individuals can carry out at home with the help from a family member or partner, for example.

Some examples of this are listed below:

• Foot rubs – starting with the top of the foot with gentle pressure, this can move up from the toes to the ankle, making small circles with as much or as little pressure as the pregnant individual requires. Direct pressure should not be put on the anklebone, however.
• Back rubs – using stroking motions up and down the back with both hands, this can be done sat upright or lying on the side. Up and down movements can then transition to a ‘kneading’ motion on either side of the spine, using gentle parts of the body such as the thumbs.
• Shoulder rub – using the pads of the fingertips, apply gentle pressure to the neck, moving between the base of the skull and the top of the pregnant individual’s shoulder.

For more specific advice, get in touch with Bodywork Massage directly.

Get in touch with Bodywork Massage to find out more about pregnancy massages in Moorgate today

To learn more about pregnancy massages in Moorgate, Lubna’s services, and any other queries relating to pregnancy massages in general, take a look at the Bodywork Massage website or get in touch with us today using 07904 786 888.

References

[1] Santi, L.K.S., Sudewi, A.R., Duarsa, D.P. and Lesmana, C.B.J., 2021. The effect of pregnancy massage on level of depression, anxiety and stress in pregnant women. International Journal of Health and Medical Sciences, 4(2), pp.220-225.

[2] Shen, C.C., Tseng, Y.H., Shen, M.C.S. and Lin, H.H., 2021. Effects of sports massage on the physiological and mental health of college students participating in a 7-week intermittent exercises program. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9), p.5013.