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Growing a baby is remarkable work, and your body is doing something truly extraordinary. But between the back pain, swelling, and exhaustion, pregnancy can feel overwhelming at times. Prenatal massage offers targeted relief tailored to exactly what you're experiencing at each stage. I'm Sarah, and at SLS Therapy in Hertfordshire, I specialise in helping expectant mothers feel their best – physically and emotionally – from the first trimester right through to delivery day.
First Trimester Pregnancy Care: A Time for Caution and Self-Care
The first 12 weeks of pregnancy bring enormous change. Your body is producing increased hormones, which can leave you feeling exhausted, nauseous and emotionally sensitive.
Should you book a prenatal massage?
Most specialist therapists recommend waiting until after your first trimester before starting pregnancy massage therapy. Whilst there's no evidence that massage causes miscarriage, the risk is naturally higher during these early weeks. As a precaution, it's best to wait until your second trimester. During this time, focus on gentle self-care and speak with your midwife if you're experiencing significant discomfort.
Second Trimester Massage: Welcome Relief from Pregnancy Discomfort
Also known as the 'honeymoon period' of pregnancy, many women find the second trimester (weeks 13-26) more comfortable. This is also when your bump really starts to show – and when new aches and pains often begin.
What's happening to your body?
Your growing baby and expanding uterus shift your centre of gravity, placing extra strain on your lower back and hips. Blood volume increases by up to 50%, which can lead to swollen ankles and legs. Research published by the NCT shows that relaxing massage has a positive effect during pregnancy, helping to reduce stress, depression and common pregnancy discomforts.
How prenatal massage therapy helps:
From week 12 onwards, specialist maternity massage can provide significant relief. During your session at SLS Therapy, you'll be positioned comfortably on your side with supportive cushions – never flat on your back, which could restrict blood flow.
As a qualified pregnancy massage therapist, I'll use gentle, flowing techniques to:
- Ease lower back pain and hip discomfort
- Reduce swelling in your legs and feet through improved circulation
- Release tension in your shoulders and neck
- Help you sleep better by promoting deep relaxation
The NHS confirms that antenatal massage may help relieve backache, headaches, swelling and leg cramps during pregnancy. At this stage, you might benefit from a prenatal massage session once every two weeks to maintain your well-being and manage pregnancy-related discomfort.
Third Trimester Maternity Massage: Finding Comfort When You Need It Most
The third trimester (weeks 27-40) can be the most physically challenging. Your baby is growing rapidly, and you're carrying considerable extra weight. Sciatic pain, leg cramps and difficulty sleeping are common complaints amongst expectant mothers.
What's happening now?
Your body produces relaxin, which loosens ligaments in preparation for birth. While essential for delivery, it can make joints feel unstable. The weight of your baby pressing on nerves can cause shooting pains and finding comfortable sleep positions becomes increasingly difficult.
How pregnancy massage provides relief:
Studies show that massage therapy during pregnancy decreases anxiety, improves mood and may contribute to shorter labours and better birth outcomes.
At SLS Therapy, I'll focus on:
- Relieving sciatic nerve pain through gentle work on lower back and gluteal muscles
- Easing leg cramps and restlessness
- Helping you connect with your body before birth
- Promoting relaxation and better sleep quality
As you approach your due date, you might increase your prenatal massage frequency to once weekly. My expertise in pregnancy and maternity massage means I understand exactly which techniques are safe right up until delivery.
A note on perineal massage:
From 34-35 weeks, consider perineal massage at home (different from your pregnancy massage sessions). Research from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists shows this can reduce tearing during birth, particularly for first-time mothers – your midwife can provide further guidance on this.
Why Choose a Specialist Pregnancy Massage Therapist?
Not all massage is safe during pregnancy. Choose a therapist with specific prenatal massage training, like me, here at SLS Therapy. A qualified specialist knows which pressure points to avoid, how to position you safely and which techniques benefit each stage of your maternity journey. The NHS advises that pregnancy massage should only be carried out by a specialist therapist. Read more about pregnancy massage safety and benefits on the SLS Therapy website.
Mental Wellbeing and Pregnancy: More Than Physical Relief
Pregnancy isn't just a physical transformation – it's an emotional one too. Between hormone fluctuations, worries about birth, and the sheer magnitude of becoming a parent, it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times. This is where the mental health benefits of antenatal massage become just as valuable as the physical relief.
When you step into your pregnancy massage session, you're giving yourself permission to pause. In those precious 60 or 90 minutes, there are no to-do lists, no nursery planning, no anxious thoughts about labour – just you, your baby, and a safe space to simply be. This dedicated time to slow down and connect with your changing body can be profoundly grounding during such a transformative period.
The science behind the calm:
Research demonstrates that massage therapy has measurable effects on your mental well-being. Studies show that regular prenatal massage increases levels of serotonin and dopamine – often called your "feel-good" hormones – whilst simultaneously reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. Lower cortisol levels don't just make you feel calmer; they may also benefit your baby, as high maternal stress hormones can cross the placenta.
For many expectant mothers, pregnancy massage becomes a crucial part of managing anxiety and prenatal depression. The gentle, nurturing touch combined with the release of physical tension creates a powerful antidote to the emotional challenges that can accompany pregnancy. You're not just treating your aching back – you're investing in your overall emotional resilience during one of life's biggest transitions.
At SLS Therapy, I've seen firsthand how this hour of gentle care and focused attention can shift someone's entire week. It's not indulgent – it's essential self-care that supports both you and your growing baby.
Your Pregnancy Journey Deserves Expert Support
From the cautious early weeks of your first trimester to the final stretch of your third, your body is doing extraordinary work. As we've explored, specialist pregnancy massage offers so much more than temporary relief – it's a trimester-by-trimester support system that addresses your changing physical needs whilst nurturing your mental wellbeing.
Whether you're battling persistent lower back pain, struggling with swollen ankles and sleepless nights, or simply craving a peaceful hour to connect with your baby, prenatal massage can make a genuine difference to how you experience these nine months.
I'm passionate about helping expectant mothers feel comfortable, supported, and empowered throughout their pregnancy. With over 20 years of specialist training in pregnancy and maternity massage, I understand exactly which techniques are safe and beneficial at each stage – and I'm here to create a calm, nurturing space where you can truly relax.
Ready to feel more comfortable in your changing body?
Book your pregnancy massage appointment or get in touch to discuss how prenatal massage can support your individual needs. I offer sessions at my clinics in Stanstead Abbotts and Cheshunt, with home visits available across Hertfordshire for your convenience.
Remember, always check with your midwife or GP before booking if you have any medical conditions or pregnancy complications.
Because you're not just growing a baby – you're becoming a mother, and that journey deserves the very best care.
