The massages all mums-to-be are entitled to

16/03/2018 / Don't try this at home

So you’re carrying an actual human being inside your belly – for nine months. That’s enough to send any of us straight to a (massage) therapist. The good news is that you’re well within your hormone-induced rights to get a rubdown. While you’re at it, milk that sympathy from your family and friends. No pun intended. A pregnancy massage can help with physical strains, reduce stress and take care of head-to-toe tension.

A well-deserved leg pamper

Your body's taking on the heroic job of carrying that heavier load – which means a fair amount of pressure on your pins. Treat them to a rub that focuses on the thigh, calf and ankle. This'll help relieve some of the pressure that's built up and it can also reduce swelling.

Aromatherapy, and a head massage

You might not even notice the tension in your shoulders – but it's a sure sign your mind's in need of some relaxation. Given your current condition, your usual coping method might be off-limits (roll on, G&T reunion). That's where an aromatherapy massage comes in. The essential oils will send you into a pregnancy-approved state of calm – entirely ABV-free. And if your pregnancy's been served up with a side of migraines, a tender head massage will relieve pain more quickly than you can say ‘two ibuprofens, please.

Foot relaxation with reflexology

Finally, a foot massage is a safe bet for a blissful thirty minutes of pampering, but a r eflexology session takes it to the next level. Your therapist will focus on your feet, and you get full-body benefits. Each pressure point channels stress-free signals to catapult you into a more serene world than the one you were in 60 minutes ago. And… breathe.

Editor's picks

5 of the best pregnancy massages in the UK 01/09/2016

Prenatal massages - should you, shouldn’t you? We understand that during pregnancy, everything you do is determined by how safe it will be for your unborn baby. This is why there is so much uncertainty surrounding receiving any prenatal treatments, but take it from us, it is perfectly safe and often encouraged. You can benefit from reduced stress and anxiety, relieved muscle tension and discomfort, and even an improved labour experience - win for you and baby alike. The therapist will often have you lying on your side or back upon a specialised bed or bean bag to ensure limited…

Don't try this at home

Why non-athletes deserve sports massages too 22/04/2018

Who else feels like a fraud booking the sports massage, when the closest you get to physical activity is an 8-hour Netflix viewing marathon? Just because Olympic medalists are addicted to this treatment doesn't mean your (less-than) average gym-user can't get involved too. If you're into your fitness classes, you'll get a performance-enhancing boost. And well, if you can't tell the difference between a treadmill and a tricep bar, sports massage still has major benefits. So whether or not you're embarking on a certain lengthy run this weekend (props to London marathoners), here's why you should make time for a massage.