PREGNANCY MASSAGE FOR THE THIRD TRIMESTER

Congrats, you’ve hit the final stretch. In saying that, this is often where pregnancy related aches and pains can be the worst. Pregnancy massage will help to ease these, keep you moving throughout this trimester and more.

DOES MASSAGE HELP WITH LABOUR AND RECOVERY? 

Why go into labour with an unprepared body if you do not have to?  
The countdown is on!  

By the third trimester most mamas are struggling to walk, sit or stand without pain or discomfort, lucky for our mums this is less of a concern. By this stage, most clients will have already prepared their body in the earlier trimesters for this exact moment (if you haven’t that is fine, we still have time). 

Think about how tight your muscles are in this moment. Imagine running a marathon with your muscles in the state they are, would you make it to the finish line? Why go into labour with an unprepared body if you don’t have to?  

During the last trimester we stimulate muscles and release tension in muscles that you will need in perfect condition for the marathon that is labour and recovery while releasing endorphins which are the body’s natural pain relief!   

With the physical changes and preparations aside, it is almost time to meet the little one! In the last trimester we focus on connecting mum and baby while getting them on the same wavelength, ready for birth.  

This is done by beginning belly massage if it has not already.  

We will also start acupressure near the due date. It is believed to redirect the energy and blood flow to stimulate certain muscles, nerves and connective tissue. It is also known to boost circulation to the uterus to influence a hormonal response.  

Some women believe massage can help induce labour, we do not, by any means, induce labour. There is no scientific evidence that shows any measures taken, except medical, can induce a woman. However, there has been research that proves massage can help shorten labour and decrease pain throughout while most women have mentioned their recovery has been much more manageable after receiving treatment during the duration on their pregnancy.  

Keep in mind, babe will come in all due time, when he/she is ready! 

DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF NOT PREPARING YOUR BODY FOR LABOUR AND RECOVERY 

We dedicate the last trimester for labour preparation and postnatal recovery. With the body already prepared for your last trimester, we then turn to focusing our treatments of getting your body ready for labour and recovery after birth.   

Some women believe massage can help induce labour, we do not, by any means, induce labour. There is no scientific evidence that shows any measures taken, except medical, can induce a woman. However, there has been research that proves Pregnancy Massage can help shorten labour and decrease pain throughout while most women have mentioned their recovery has been much more manageable after receiving treatment during the duration on their pregnancy.  

Keep in mind, babe will come in all due time, when he/she is ready, we just want to make sure you are ready! 

HOW MASSAGE HELPS IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER 

You are now in the last stages of pregnancy, but we are not there yet! Now is the time to prepare the body for labour and recovery as we have already done the leg work to prepare for this moment. We need to keep in mind the ever-changing physical aspects of your pregnancy.  

Most mums who come in cannot wait to lay face down on our pregnancy pillows, however, there comes stage when either your belly won’t fit, or you are just not comfortable laying on your stomach in which we begin side lying treatment.  
Using soft and deep tissue techniques we now focus on the parts of the body that are under most stress such as low back, hips and legs. We continue to release the tension around the ribs making breathing it possible to breath deeper.  
Each mother and pregnancy are completely different which is why we tailor each session to the needs of mum and baby every appointment.    

COMMON QUESTIONS 

How can I get more/better sleep? 

I’m a little, in all good sense, bias, but Pregnancy Massage is one of the best ways to improve your sleep! It will decrease pain and tension that would usually wake you.

Massage stimulates the release of serotonin which is a hormone necessary to produce melatonin which is your body’s sleep-inducer. 

Another easy way to help sleep quality is by creating ways to keep your body aligned as you rest by using pillows around your hips and belly. 

Can massage induce labour? 

Although some swear by different forms of induction, there is no real scientific evidence that proves there is any way other than medical intervention, to induce labour. There is, however, certain pressure points are believed to correct imbalances and blockages of the flow of vital energies and blood through our bodies.  

Is swelling in the hands, feet and face normal?    

Swelling, or Oedema is a normal part of pregnancy that is caused by additional blood and fluid in the body. It is experienced in the hands, feet, legs, ankles and face. The extra retention of fluid is needed to help soften the body which allows it to expand as the baby develops.  Pregnancy Massage can assist reduce Oedema by improving circulation!