Congratulations, you’re pregnant!

Whether you’re jumping for joy; in a state of shock; or feeling a mixture of both – we are here to support you!

Pregnancy lasts approximately 10 lunar months, 9 calendar months, 40 weeks or 280 days and since a positive test result, not a day will pass where you don’t think about generating a new little life in your womb.

For some woman, the pregnancy journey can be filled with joy, but for others it can be a little more challenging. The constant variation of hormone levels can bring great psychological, physical and emotional changes.

Understanding the three trimesters makes it a little easier to comprehend the changes your body will face before your baby enters the world. What’s more, Pregnancy Massage can help physically and psychologically in each stage of your pregnancy.

From an embryo to a foetus…the magical 1st trimester

Everything begins with a positive pregnancy test! The HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) hormone, produced by the embryo and present in the woman’s urine is used yo detect a positive result. To implant well and maintain the pregnancy the embryo needs its own special hormone until the placenta is established and able to maintain the pregnancy. The effects of HCG can create a lot of physical reactions to your body. You can feel unwell (increase in nausea and vomiting) and quite tired. These effects normally last until the pregnancy is well established (about 12 weeks). Oestrogen and Progesterone levels also increase, as well as blood volume. Breasts can get tender, sensitive or sore. The uterus grows and other minimal structural changes occur. By week 7or 8, a foetus heart beat can be heard. You may also experience headaches and dizziness and the need to urinate might increase. Food aversions or cravings are also quite common at this stage.

From the emotional side is important to recognise that you might feel delighted, anxious, exhilarated and exhausted — sometimes all at once!

All those aspects need to be considered by a specially trained Pregnancy Massage Therapist when treating a mumma-to-be in the early stages of pregnancy.

Pregnancy massage is safe during the first trimester, as long as you haven’t had any previous pregnancy complications. Only gentle massage techniques will be applied in order to promote relaxation & wellbeing.

Weeks of Joy! Happy 2nd Trimester!

The 2nd trimester is mid-pregnancy – the 4th, 5th and 6th months, or from week 13 to week 27, and for many women, the most comfortable of all three. The incoming soul continues to make his or her presence felt.

By the mid trimester the levels of HCG decreases and finally you will be feeling better. Most early pregnancy symptoms described above will ease or even totally disappear. Oestrogen and Progesterone increase in quantity with the main production of the placenta, which produces many hormones to support the pregnancy; they include Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (HCS), Human Placental Lactogen (HPL) and Relaxin.

Your energy levels should also be picking up. Breasts might be lot less tender. However, some symptoms may persist (like heartburn/constipation). At the same time, other symptoms may pop up for the first time as the belly continues to grow and levels of pregnancy hormones rise. Some of these symptoms can include: congestion & headaches, mild swelling of the ankles and feet, leg cramps, dizziness, skin changes, achiness in the lower abdomen, varicose veins and/or hemorrhoids (a type of varicose vein) and weight gain.

From a massage perspective you might start receiving a side-lying treatment from now on. Your massage therapist will make sure you have enough pillows to support the belly, legs and head making sure you stay comfortable and fully relaxed to enjoy the session!

What a journey! Welcome to the 3rd Trimester!

The 3rd trimester is the last 3 months of pregnancy or from week 27/28 until birth (aprox. 40 weeks) and with that busy baby inside the belly, you probably feel lots of fetal activity and might also be experiencing changes in your body as womb gets bigger than ever. Some of these changes may include: abdominal achiness, fatigue/insomnia, heartburn, braxton hicks contractions, varicose veins, stretch marks, backache, urinary frequency/lack of bladder control, oedema. By now can really enjoy your pregnancy massage sessions because it will definitely help you get through all those changes and preparing you for birth.

How Pregnancy Massage can help you?

Pregnancy Massage can support the physiologic, structural and emotional well being of both the mother and the foetus. It can address the various physical challenges of pregnancy helping to:

  • Develop MOTHER-BABY connection;
  • Increase Relaxation / Decrease Anxiety;
  • Improve Sleep Pattern;
  • Reduce Oedema;
  • Support Body changes;
  • Ease back, shoulder, neck pain
  • Stabilize hormonal changes and blood pressure.

However, it’s important to be aware of some possible “red flags” along the way. Your Pregnancy Massage Therapist needs to know if you are facing any particular condition that might be contraindicated for massage, such as hypertension, pre-eclampsia, any bleeding, placenta previa, cervical incompetence, Deep Vein Trombosis and others.

When coming for a Pregnancy Massage Session bring as much information you can to your Therapist. She/he might be asking questions regarding your blood pressure, the last time you had a baby scan done, and other relevant information regarding your pregnancy journey.

But Most of all enjoy every second of your Massage Sessions! The benefits are endless and you will keep forever the best memories of that self-care moments!