Pregnancy massage is a gentle, relaxing massage that can be used safely throughout the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It’s a popular complementary therapy that can be used for back pain when choices for pain relief, such as medication, can be limited.

During the treatment, a massage chair is used to support the upper body and many women report finding it extremely comfortable to sit in.

A full body massage can be carried out, including the back and legs, by using the chair or by laying on your side or sitting upright on the massage table. At no point will you be asked to lie on your stomach.

These positions allow for a deeper massage to be done to the upper back and legs – areas which can get quite tight and sore due to the increased pressure on the body.

Benefits of pregnancy massage may include:

• Eases aching muscles, particularly in upper back
• Improves circulation
• Helps with fluid retention in the legs
• Relieves tiredness and fatigue from the extra weight carried
• Helps you to relax from the pressures of the pregnancy and gives you a bit of pampering before your baby arrives