Pregnancy massage

About Pregnancy Massage and Pregnancy Treatments

Specialist prenatal therapy to relieve aches, support pelvic health, and provide relaxation throughout every trimester.

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, but the physical demands of carrying a growing baby can often lead to discomfort. At GW Osteopathy, our pregnancy massage is specifically designed to address these changes, helping you stay mobile, comfortable, and relaxed as you prepare for your new arrival.

About Pregnancy Massage in Guildford

Our prenatal massage is a specialist treatment tailored to the unique needs of the expectant mother. We focus on common pregnancy-related issues such as lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), muscle aches, and tension headaches.

Beyond muscular relief, we offer a holistic approach to prenatal health. This includes the assessment of the pelvic floor and providing safe, suitable exercises to strengthen these crucial muscles during your pregnancy.

How we do it: The Pregnancy Pillow

Many women miss the ability to lie comfortably on their front during the later stages of pregnancy. To ensure your absolute comfort and the most effective treatment, we use a specialist pregnancy pillow. This allows you to lie safely on your front, instantly alleviating pressure on your lower back and pelvis.

Once you are comfortably positioned, our therapists use “harmonic techniques”—gentle, rhythmic movements that mobilise the spine and reduce muscle tension. These techniques create long-lasting benefits that support you once you return to your day-to-day routine.

Pregnancy massage faq

Pregnancy Massage and Pregnancy Treatments FAQ

Is pregnancy massage safe in the first trimester?

While massage is generally safe, many practitioners prefer to wait until the second trimester when the initial fatigue and morning sickness have typically settled. However, we are happy to discuss your specific needs if you require support earlier in your pregnancy.

Yes! Thanks to our specialist pregnancy pillow, which features a recessed area for your bump and chest, most women can safely and comfortably lie face-down. This is often the highlight of the treatment for our clients!

Yes. By releasing the muscles around the hips and lower back and using gentle mobilisation techniques, we can often significantly reduce the discomfort associated with PGP and SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction).

This depends on your comfort levels. Some mothers-to-be visit us once a month for maintenance, while others come fortnightly in the third trimester to manage increased pelvic pressure and back ache.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, or sudden severe swelling, we ask that you consult your midwife or GP before booking. We always conduct a thorough screening at the start of your first session.

Absolutely. We believe in empowering you with the right tools. We can offer advice and safe exercises to help strengthen and—equally importantly—learn to relax the pelvic floor muscles.

Yes, as long as you are feeling well. Many women find a massage in the final weeks of pregnancy helps them feel more relaxed and physically prepared for labour.

In one of our three clinics in Surrey. Click here for more information.n.
Pregnancy massage offers sciatica relief

Why use GW Osteopathy?

  • Specialist Equipment: We are one of the few clinics to provide a professional pregnancy pillow, allowing for a more effective and comfortable treatment experience.
  • Clinical Expertise: Our massages are performed by Jen Beck or Gemma Ware who have a deep understanding of prenatal anatomy and the hormonal changes affecting your ligaments and joints.
  • Integrated Care: We don’t just offer massage; we offer advice on pelvic floor health and postural adjustments to help manage your changing centre of gravity.
  • Central Location: Our pregnancy massages take place at our Dapdune Clinic in central Guildford, where our specialist equipment is based.
Improved sleep is a benefit of pregnancy massage

Pregnancy Massage and Pregnancy Treatments Benefits

  • Reduced Lower Back & Pelvic Pain: Targeted relief for the areas under the most strain as your bump grows.
  • Sciatica & Nerve Relief: Helping to release tight gluteal muscles that can often compress the sciatic nerve during pregnancy.
  • Headache Management: Reducing tension in the neck and shoulders to alleviate pregnancy-induced headaches.
  • Pelvic Floor Awareness: Expert advice on strengthening and relaxing the pelvic floor in preparation for birth.
  • Reduced Swelling: Gentle techniques to encourage lymphatic drainage and reduce oedema (swelling) in the ankles and feet.
  • Improved Sleep: By reducing physical discomfort and soothing the nervous system, many mothers find they sleep significantly better after a session.
Pregnancy massage: top tips

Top tips

  • The “Log Roll”: To protect your abdominal muscles and lower back, always roll onto your side before pushing yourself up to a sitting position when getting out of bed.
  • Pelvic Tilts: Practising gentle pelvic tilts while on all fours can help relieve pressure on the lower back and encourage the baby into an optimal position.
  • Supportive Footwear: Your ligaments soften during pregnancy due to the hormone relaxin. Wearing supportive shoes can help prevent foot and arch pain.
  • Stay Hydrated: Water is essential for maintaining the health of your intervertebral discs and reducing the risk of leg cramps.
  • Use a Support Pillow: When sleeping on your side, place a pillow between your knees and ankles to keep your hips level and reduce strain on the pelvis.
GW Osteopathy logo

We are based in 3 locations in Surrey:

  • Dapdune House: central Guildford location with free onsite parking
  • Willow Health Therapy Rooms: Stoughton, Guildford with free onsite parking
  • Surrey Holistic: Godalming

We are open Monday – Saturday and every other Sunday. If you have any further questions, please do get in touch.

Want to find out more?

Acupuncture enquiry

Get in touch with Esther directly to request an appointment. You can find out more about her at www.estherholford.com

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