• Pregnancy massage sessions cost £50.
• Post-natal massage sessions cost £40.

It is common for most massage therapists to refuse to give pregnancy massages during the first trimester as there is an increased chance of miscarriage during this time. The second and third trimesters are fine for having a massage as long as it is with someone knowledgeable about birth.

During a regular massage you will typically lay on your front or back and will experience a deep massage all over the body.

During a pregnancy massage, you will lay on either side but not back or front and no deep tissue massage will be attempted on the legs.

A massage in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is not advised. Other reasons to not have a massage are if you have:

• Morning sickness/nausea
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Pain/cramps

Many women say that the second trimester is the best time for a massage because you are likely to have more energy than the first or third trimesters and, hopefully, your morning sickness will be over.

If you are in any doubt about whether a massage is right for you be sure to discuss your situation with your pregnancy massage therapist, Fi Hennessy.

If you’ve booked an appointment and are wondering what happens during the pregnancy massage, let me take you through it. Prior to the massage appointment you should be told where to go and if you need to bring anything.

I usually advise that you don’t need to bring anything unless you have a favorite cushion or support that would make you feel comfortable. When you arrive your therapist should take time to make you comfortable, give you water, and explain the process to you.

A medical history should be taken to help the therapist understand your particular situation, any medical concerns you may have which may affect how the massage is carried out. For example if you have PGP or SPD you may be worried about getting onto the massage bench or turning over.

The therapist will then advise you on what happens next, how much to undress, how to get on the massage surface and what bolsters will be used. The therapist will be out of the room during this time to give you privacy. You can signal if you are ready or the therapist will knock and ask.

Before the massage begins the therapist will position bolsters and cushions around you to ensure your comfort. The towel or covering will then be secured in such a way that your modesty is preserved but the therapist can access the parts of your body to be massaged, so your back, shoulders and legs for example.

Depending on what you have agreed you may need to turn over part way through. Once the massage is finished the therapist will let you know and will leave the room again to allow you time and privacy to get up and dressed. They should then offer post massage after care advice such as keeping hydrated and resting if needed.

Pregnancy changes your body right from the moment you find out you’re pregnant. Ligaments begin the stretch, your uterus swells, hormones change your shape, appetite and need for sleep! Pregnancy hormones such as relaxin and progesterone begin to soften your body, giving rise to pelvic issues such as PGP, or aggravating old injuries that you thought were well healed.

Taking the time to relax, investing in your body rather than carrying on as if nothing had changed will stand you in good stead for your pregnancy and beyond. Muscles often get sore as they compensate for relaxing ligaments, having a pregnancy massage will generate lots of benefits in helping these sore muscles.

A pregnancy massage will also benefit your mind helping you relax, bond with your bump and take time to contemplate upcoming labour and becoming a mum. Pregnancy massage benefits also extend to baby as they benefit from the relaxation you feel, the increase in oxytocin with the skin to skin massage strokes and your general state of well being.

Your comfort is paramount during a pregnancy massage and it might be that you want to know what to wear for a pregnancy massage. As most pregnancy massages will be using an oil on your skin it would be appropriate for the massage therapist to be able to reach your skin.

Your modesty and comfort will be top of the massage therapists mind and towels, drapes and covers will be used to keep you covered and allow the therapist to access only the parts of your body which are being massaged. With that in mind you can wear what you feel comfortable in for the massage.

Once a full history has been taken to allow the massage therapist to understand your needs, they will then give you time and privacy to undress and get onto the massage surface and under the cover provided.

Once you are settled and happy they will re-enter the room and position bolsters and cushions to give you maximum comfort.