During pregnancy, massage can safely, comfortably and effectively relieve stress and discomfort and, historically, touch and massage were a central component of maternity care across all cultures. This hands-on approach to caring for women during pregnancy and childbirth is just as valid today as it is easy to implement, and very complementary to any medical considerations and required treatments.

Pregnant women can suffer from all sorts of ailments, including heartburn, backaches, swollen ankles, aching muscles, breast soreness and fatigue. Standard medicine offers few means of alleviating these problems. Women may also feel increased stress due to the psychological effects of pregnancy, which include changes in body image, concerns about the baby’s health and the challenges associated with this life-changing event.

Through simple techniques, including the nerve stroke, effleurage, petri sage, friction and tapotement most of these symptoms can be alleviated. You will learn how massage can relieve tension during pregnancy, help prepare for labour and make the postpartum period less difficult.