There are lots of benefits to having a Prenatal, or Pregnancy massage; you can find out more about these by clicking here. Some people ask what is special about a prenatal massage, so let’s have a look at some of the key differences…

Position

Usually when you have a massage, you will be advised to lie on your front, and maybe spend some time on your back. In a pregnancy massage, you’ll usually lie on your side to accommodate your bump. Your therapist will support your body with cushions to make sure you feel comfortable. You may spend a short amount of time on your back, but usually you the therapist will raise the back of the treatment couch so you can sit up a little; this reduces the pressure your bump puts through your tummy.

Health Screen

You are likely to have a more detailed health screen than with a normal massage. This will include questions about your pregnancy to make sure it is safe for you to have a massage, or any specific techniques that should be avoided. It is generally not advised to have a massage during your first trimester.

Techniques Used

Generally speaking, a pregnancy massage will involve more gentle massage strokes, the main aim being to promote relaxation. There are also particular areas that therapists tend to avoid massaging, such as the abdomen.

At Severn Physiotherapy, we offer massages in the comfort of your own home. As Physiotherapists, we can offer massages that target your specific problem areas. If you’d like more information, have a look at our website or get in touch today!

All information contained in this post is general; we encourage you to seek individualised assessment and treatment from a relevant healthcare professional. We endeavour to regularly review our posts to make sure all information is in accordance with recent guidance and research.