BEAUTY THERAPIST MARBELLA
Judith Robinson. I.T.E.C. Hons. C.I.D.E.S.C.O. Sports Therapist. Aestheticienne. Aromatherapist. Reflexologist.
WHAT IS PRENATAL MASSAGE?
Prenatal massage shares many of the goals of regular massage – to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good.
It is also tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies.
After a full consultation Judith who is fully trained and qualified in prenatal massage will adjust the techniques accordingly.
DO I HAVE TO BE NAKED?
You may choose to wear a t shirt and have a pressure point massage on your problem areas or remove your clothes and be draped with a towel and only the treated areas will be exposed during the massage.
HOW IS PRENATAL MASSAGE PERFORMED?
Depending on your needs and stage of pregnancy you may wish to lie on the treatment couch on your side, or sitting on a chair leaning comfortable forward onto a support.
WILL IT HARM MY BABY?
Judith is fully trained and qualified in prenatal massage so no harm or danger will result from the treatment.
I HEARD YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE YOUR FEET MASSAGED WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT, IS THAT TRUE?
Not true! Now more than ever your feet need relief from joint pressure and swelling. There are reflexology points that should be avoided. Judith has been practicing and teaching reflexology for over 20 years so is VERY knowledgeable in this field.
DO I HAVE TO STOP RECEIVING MASSAGE CLOSE TO MY DUE DATE?
You may be relieved to know that in most cases it is safe and beneficial to receive massage up to your due date and beyond. A massage is a great way to prepare your body for the experience of giving birth.
Now I will explain more about why you get back pain during your pregnancy
Pregnancy back pain usually starts in the second half of pregnancy. Pregnancy back pain typically happens where the pelvis meets your spine, at the sacroiliac joint. There are many possible reasons why it happens!
Here are some of the more likely causes.
WEIGHT GAIN
During a healthy pregnancy, women typically gain between 25 and 35 pounds. The spine has to support that weight.
That can cause lower back pain. The weight of the growing baby and uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.
POSTURE CHANGE
Pregnancy shifts your centre of gravity. As a result you may gradually, even without noticing, begin to adjust your posture and the way you move. This may result in back pain or strain.
HORMONE CHANGES
During pregnancy your body makes a hormone called relaxin that allows ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process. The same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain.
MUSCLE SEPERATION
As the uterus expands, two parallel sheets of muscles ( the rectal abdominis muscles ) which run from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may separate along the centre seam. This separation may worsen back pain.
STRESS
Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back, which may be felt as back pain or back spasms. You may find that you experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.
