Massage for Pregnancy, Labour and Beyond

The body faces many changes during pregnancy often leading to feelings of discomfort and fatigue. The hormone progesterone allows the body to expand gently by softening and stretching ligaments and expanding blood vessels allowing them to carry an increasing volume of blood. Whilst helping your body to grow and accommodate the new life within you unfortunately these changes can also cause some unwanted side effects including backache, haemorrhoids, oedema (swelling), varicose veins, heartburn and insomnia.

The simple touch of massage can help to relieve many of the discomforts and stresses of pregnancy in a traditional, safe and natural way without the need for medications. As well as clear benefits to the mother, massage during pregnancy has been found to calm overactive babies who are often lively when the mother is trying to rest. During repeated tests where a baby’s heartbeat was monitored by a cardiotocograph machine, gentle and soothing massage calmed the foetus whilst still maintaining a good variable heartbeat which is important for this stage of development.

For the Mother, gentle work over the abdominal area can be beneficial for relieving the stretched sensation often experienced through the second and third trimesters as well as reducing the possibility of stretch marks when some carrier oils are used. Regular body massage throughout pregnancy can help to lift a Mother’s mood and in turn aid the growing foetus. Massage can boost the immune system and help to eliminate the fatigue which is so common in the first and third trimesters as well as improving general posture and reducing stiffness.

As the centre of gravity, the lower back is most prone to strain and tension. Massage in this area will gently relieve discomfort but care must be taken not to be too stimulating in the early stages of pregnancy. No pressure points or deep strokes should be used. Towards the end of pregnancy deeper techniques can be performed on the buttocks and spinal area, along with relaxing and soothing massage to the feel and legs.

In most cases it is possible to begin massage after the first anti-natal appointment, this being about 12 weeks. It is important to book your massage with a therapist experienced in antenatal massage and the use of essential oils should be with caution throughout pregnancy.  General work can be done throughout, although as pregnancy progresses a more upright position for treatment is used either side lying or sitting in a chair leaning forward on pillows for support. Some therapists will also be able to offer adapted couches with holes for the ever increasing bump.

Later in pregnancy techniques can be used to assist in the turning of breach babies as well as helping to bring on labour after the expected due date in a natural and safe manor. During labour massage can aid a shorter and less painful labour by allowing the Mother to utilise her own endorphins to ease the passage of birth, comforting and soothing Mother and Baby.

Active birth methods can be learnt in advance to aid labour and techniques such as Shiatsu can be very useful. Many Active Birth classes are specifically designed for the Mother to cope and be in control of her labour, Shiatsu however allows and encourages partner involvement prior to and during birth. Many Fathers feel a little left out and confused as to what they can do to help, but by learning a few simple and effective techniques they can make a real difference to the Mother’s birth experience.

Shiatsu is based upon a traditional Japanese approach to health, encouraging the body to balance its own natural energies and working gently with acupressure along energy pathways. Research has taken place with Bristol Midwifery showing Shiatsu’s effectiveness in inducing labour and reducing pain during labour. Another study of 28 Mothers found that massage therapy during the first 15 minutes of each hour of childbirth decreased anxiety and pain, reducing the need for medication and shortening the length of labour.

If labour starts to slow, Shiatsu can be used to speed up the process as energy can be stuck through fear or discomfort and the pelvis constricts holding the baby in. By working with the base of the neck, this being closely associated with the base of the spine, it is possible to soften and release the pelvic girdle. Like one long piece of rope, gently moving one end can produce a lot of movement in the other with little effort. For Mothers who at this point can be sensitive to touch and suffering from lower back pain this technique is very useful.

In the final stages where energy levels can drop key points to increase stamina and gain strength provide the final urge to push. Practicing gentle moves and various upright positions for birth can enable the Mother to actively and effectively help herself to give birth naturally and in total control.

Shiatsu Active Birth classes are divided into two segments, the first covering relaxation techniques and various pregnancy symptoms and the second working on the final period leading up to labour and the birth. They are fun and very relaxing for the Mother with much of the effort being placed upon the birthing partner. Active birth classes vary greatly depending upon the therapist’s speciality so look into different classes in your area.

Following the birth massage promotes rehabilitation and recovery, aiding the Mother to adapt and cope well with the new challenges she faces. Further techniques for Mother and Baby can be learnt allowing the continuation of massage through the first few months as a new family.

Details of massage for pregnancy and Shiatsu Active Birth were kindly provided by Nicky Abell-Francis of Zenchi Therapy. More information can be found by visiting Nicky’s website (see our links page) or contact her on 01244 660685.