Massage during Pregnancy

Hay lovelies,

Hope youre all keeping well, and you mamas-to-be are minding those beautiful bumps.

Im now 33 weeks pregnant and I certainly feel every bit of it, some days more than others. Picking things up off the floor has proven to be a challenge, and socks? Forget about them haha!

A couple of weeks ago I got badly sunburned on my legs and they swelled up pretty badly. It was very painful and uncomfortable, but a trip to the maternity department proved that it was nothing to worry about and just a result of the sun, thankfully! It was great to go straight to the maternity department, and not have to waste several hours in A&E, and the midwives were very friendly and helpful. I was recommended to keep my legs raised, and apply buttermilk to the area... Im not entirely sure why buttermilk, but it worked a treat. My poor legs are still peeling from the experience, but the swelling has gone down and I only have the usual evening-time swollen pregnant legs.

So to help the swelling and pain, I decided to treat myself to a full body massage.

I headed to Kayleigh, from That Skinny Girl, at The River Spa in the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim. After a swim, I went for my massage, followed by a nice snooze (or snore..) in the relaxation room. It was heavenly! Just what I needed. So, as a massage therapist myself, who is trained in pregnancy massage, here are 10 benefits of massage during pregnancy:

1. Better Sleep/// Its no secret, that massage helps us to relax and sleep better. Win-win!

2. Reduced back and joint pain/// With the ever growing pressure of baby on our back and joints, massage is a great way to relieve, or at least reduce this

3. Improved circulation///

4. Reduced oedema/// A main reason for me wanting to get a massage; with improved circulation comes reduced oedema. Manual lymph drainage helps the body to eliminate excess fluid and swelling in the body. This was a big factor in reducing my swollen legs after the sunburn.

5. Reduced headaches/// Massage helps to recuce muscle tension. Headaches can be common during pregnancy, and tense muscles are a major cause of headaches. By stretching and massaging shoulder and neck muscles, the muscle tension is reduced= less headaches

6. Reduced stress and anxiety/// Taking time out for ourselves to relax and unwind is great for the head

7. Moisturising/// Skin can change during pregnancy, and as it is stretching its really important to keep it nourished. I love to keep the oils on my skin after a massage as long as possible for maximum absorbtion and lubrication.

8. Increased oxygen in the blood/// Good for mum and baby.

9. Aids digestion/// Due to increased blood circulation and elimination of toxins from the body, the effectiveness of the digestive system is also increased. And since pregnancy can cause constipation, massage is helpful.

10. Bonding/// Taking time out for you and you baby helps you to bond. We often become too busy with our daily lives to take an hour out of our day to think of the beautiful life growing inside, but a massage is the perfect opportunity for this.

Why not treat yourself to a massage before baby arrives?

Dont forget to follow me on facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE

Until next time, Conni xoxo