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During the 40 weeks of pregnancy a woman undergoes enormous physical and emotional changes. Massage is an invaluable way to give support to a woman coping with these rapid changes and to prepare her for childbirth. I have treated many patients throughout their pregnancies and they have benefited from massage, enjoying happy and healthy pregnancies and relatively easy deliveries.

Throughout pregnancy chemical drugs (even those taken for common aliments such as headaches or nausea) are contraindicated. They can cross the placenta to the baby and may cause abnormalities in the foetus, particularly during the first few vulnerable months.

Massage, in combination with a healthy diet and exercise, provides a safe, gentle and natural way to relieve the minor discomforts and disorders of pregnancy without the undesirable side-effects of drugs. Of course, if symptoms persist, the mother should always seek the advice of a medical practitioner.

Benefits of massage

A mother-to-be can experience the following benefits from massage:

• a feeling of deep relaxation, extreme tranquillity, optimism and well-being .
• a greatly improved sleep pattern
• less fatigue and a boost in energy levels
• back pain is decreased or totally eliminated
• the circulatory and lymphatic systems are stimulated
• fluid retention can be reduced or discouraged
• varicose veins may be avoided or minimized
• aching legs and cramps are relieved
• the frequency of headaches declines
• bowel movements regulate
• stretch marks are prevented
• the perineal area can be prepared for birth
• mood swings and depression induced by hormonal changes are balanced
• breast tenderness is lessened
• posture improves
• the whole body is toned and nourished and the complexion glows
• a strong bond develops between mother-to-be and baby, and both are happy and contented.