First Trimester
0-13 weeks of pregnancy
At the end of the trimester the baby is over 5cm long. All the major structures of the baby have developed and the heart tones can be detected by Doppler ultrasonography (from 8-10 weeks).
The mother can experience nausea or vomiting, fatigue, headaches and migraine, increase in urination, leukorrheal discharge, blocked sinuses or nasal congestion. Breast tenderness and tingling around 4-6 weeks and also enlargement of sebaceous glands around nipples may be apparent. The blood pressure decreases slightly.
Parts of treatment: Consultation form (at first session)
Bodywork (optional breast massage for promoting healthy breast)
Advice on exercises, homecare or other useful information
Treatment time: 1-1,5 hours depending on client’s needs (including time for consultation form and relaxation time at the end of the massage).
Position of the treatment: Prone (if comfortable for the client), supine, side lying or sitting. The therapist is working with the client when choosing positions to provide her comfort.
Benefits of the treatment: Physiological changes during pregnancy can result in many ailments. The treatment is able to help with improving health and make pregnancy more enjoyable. Some of the health issues are listed bellow.
Fatigue
Nausea
Migraines
Headaches
Breast tenderness
The Massage also improves circulation and promotes relaxation.
Massage techniques:
Effleurage
the stroke used to spread oil over the body and introduction strokes used before kneading techniques. Also used after to smooth and relax the body.
Kneading
deeper strokes but still lighter than during normal massage as body tissue is softer during pregnancy when hormones are affecting the body.
Tapotement
light fingers tapotement is used around clavicles for stimulating terminus lymphatic nodes before optional lymphatic breast massage.
Joint mobilisation
supporting lymph and blood circulation, meridian energy and working muscles and joints: Hips, ankles, knees, vertebras, shoulders and wrists (helps to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which could appear during the pregnancy)
Different techniques from Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Maternity Reflexology or Hot Stones might be used to add benefits to the treatment.
CAUTION: Possible contraindications to the treatment:
I consider these conditions as serious and I would send a client suffering them for a professional diagnosis by the midwife or a doctor. Bodywork may be continued to support the healing process after medical diagnosis.
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
Severe vaginal or abdominal pain
Inability to pass urine
EXERCISES
Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy the whole body has to adapt. It is important for the mother to realize that more energy is needed for growth of her baby. Therefore if she is continuing with high intensity exercises, as before pregnancy it might not be really healthy. On the other hand as soon as the woman knows she is pregnant, she should start with some level of exercise even if it’s just walking. Exercising promotes relaxation and well being during pregnancy and postpartum, helps with backache and shoulder tension. Also prepares the mother and her baby for physical demands of birth (especially pelvic exercises).
The mother suffering Symphysis pubis instability shouldn’t stop exercising but avoid the exercises which aggravate the condition such as swimming, cycling. Work on all fours (cat exercise) works well. Some exercises such as on all fours or rocking might be avoided during first semester if the mother suffers morning sickness or fatigue. Click here for more information including breathing and visualisation.
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR ALL TREATMENTS
Ready to find out more?
I wish you good health and will be looking forward to welcoming you personally at my practice. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.