Pregnancy massage and aromatherapy

When you discover you are pregnant, there is so much focus on your growing baby. But what about you?

Pregnancy brings many physical and emotional changes as your body adapts to carry your baby. Taking time to nurture yourself and support your wellbeing can be an important part of your pregnancy journey.

The benefits of pregnancy massage

The focus of pregnancy massage is to promote general wellbeing, both emotionally and physically, by soothing and relaxing muscular and nervous tension.

Massage during pregnancy can help you relax, relieve stress and anxiety and improve your sleep. It may also improve mobility, circulation and reduce fluid retention, while helping to stabilise your hormones and blood pressure.
As pregnancy progresses, generalised muscular aches and pains, such as hip or back pain, can become more common. Pregnancy massage can help ease some of this discomfort and support your body as it adapts to your growing baby.

Massage can also help prepare your muscles and joints for carrying your growing baby and for the physical exertion of labour and birth. This can support improved movement, endurance and confidence as you prepare to birth your baby.

You can receive pregnancy massage at any time from the early weeks of pregnancy through to your due date and beyond. Just remember not to lay on your back and use a wedge or cushion under your hip for comfort.

A pelvic health physiotherapist can provide pregnancy massage, as well as specific treatment for muscle and joint pain associated with pregnancy. Your obstetrician can direct you to a pelvic health physiotherapist local to you or your hospital.

Aromatherapy during pregnancy and labour

Aromatherapy is another way you may choose to support your mind and body during pregnancy and labour. It involves the use of plant oils, usually in the form of essential oils.

Essential oils can be used in an oil burner or applied to the skin at certain pressure points when combined with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond, coconut, grapeseed or olive oil.

If you are interested in using essential oils during pregnancy or birth, make sure they are labelled as safe for use during pregnancy and birth.

There are a few important things to keep in mind when using essential oils.

• Choose your oils carefully. Clary sage and jasmine are not recommended during pregnancy, so these should be avoided.
• Less is more. Essential oils should be diluted well. Although they are natural, you may find that you do not like or respond positively to a particular oil. It is a good idea to test your chosen oils before labour so you know how you feel when using them.
• Check that they are pure. Make sure the oils are labelled ‘pure’ rather than ‘fragrant’, so you know they are genuinely organic and have not been mixed with other oils.

If you would like to use aromatherapy during labour, you can bring an electric oil diffuser to hospital. Candles are not permitted in hospital birthing rooms.
It is also a good idea to discuss your choice of oils with your obstetrician or midwife during your pregnancy and include your preferences as part of your birth wishes.

Taking time to care for yourself during pregnancy can help you feel more relaxed, comfortable and connected as you prepare for the arrival of your baby.

Reference

McInerney, C. (2018), Certificate of Pregnancy Massage PRG100, Pregnancy Massage Australia.