Third Trimester
27-40 weeks of pregnancy
The baby begins to settle into positions of birth and is sensitive to the light.
The mother can experience fluid retention, weight gain, fatigue, and shortness of breath, increased urination, varicose veins and lower back problem. Blood pressure rises slightly.
Parts of treatment: Consultation form (at first session)
Bodywork (optional breast massage preparing for breastfeeding)
Advice on exercises, homecare or shiatsu points (from week 37) and resting positions helping the baby settle in right position for a birth.
Treatment time: 1-1,5 hours depending on client’s needs (including time for consultation form and the relaxation time at the end of the massage).
Position of the treatment: Semi reclined, side lying and sitting on massage chair or birth ball. 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.
Headaches
Migrains
Oedema
Heartburn
Constipation
Muscle spasm
Leg cramps
Back pain
Joints stiffness
Tension in shoulders
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.
Severe vaginal or abdominal pain
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
Strong contractions before due date
Inability to pass urine
Severe swellings, especially face and eyelids (eclampsia symptoms)
Severe headaches and vomiting, blurry vision, symptoms of shock (eclampsia symptoms)
Symptoms of Thrombosis (pain, swelling or redness in the calves and fever)
From week 37 of pregnancy a special session could be arranged for the mother and her birth partner. During this one to one session the partner learns about massage techniques they can apply during the labour. Also shiatsu points to get the baby to a right position, to induce the labour (if the body is ready) or help with headaches or shoulders tension. Mother is introduced to different positions for a labour, which might include the partner. It’s advisable to spread it all over two sessions, as there is a lot of complex information to learn. The hand out given for this session isn’t detailed and is meant to just remind you of the techniques learned.
EXERCISES
It’s important for mother to continue to exercise to the end of her pregnancy (and even after). The body is more prepared for the physical demands of the birth. Practising labour positions and pelvic muscles exercises are very useful for a birth as well as breathing techniques and visualisation. Maternity yoga classes available in Aberdeen provide the mother with the above stated exercises and add more. The mothers suffering pelvic girdle instability shouldn’t stop exercising but should avoid the exercises which aggravate the condition such as swimming, cycling. Work on all fours (cat exercise) works well.
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.