To all pregnant ladies out there. More than ever you need to look after yourself. You not only have your own body to think about but a new little life as well. Pregnancy can take it's toll on the body, and the mind and soul. Treat yourself to regular massages to take away the pain of tired aching muscles. Even more necessary if you have a toddler to look after too.

I have attended a 2 day course on massage especially for pregnant ladies. I learned special massage techniques to help relieve backache and relieve the weight of the baby. This massage will also help circulation and relax all those tensions away. I can also add oils to help avoid stretch marks.

It is recommended that you don't have essential oils added to your carrier oil until after the first trimester. If you would like essential oils in your massage, after this time, I will create a blend which will help with all your individual problems.

I am currently only insured to massage after the first trimester (12 weeks) and I need your GP or midwife's consent prior to treatment.

The benefits of massage during pregnancy may be

• Helping to reduce stress and promote general well-being

• Massage helps the body to eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which combats fatigue and helps the mother feel more energetic.

• Emotional support and nurturing touch relaxation and decreased insomnia

• Stress relief on weigh-bearing joints, such as ankles, lower back and pelvis, neck and back pain relief caused by muscle imbalance and weakness

• assistance in maintaining proper posture

• muscular discomforts, such as cramping, tightening, stiffness, tension and knots, can all be alleviated

• reduced swelling in hands and feet

• Lessened sciatic pain - many women develop sciatica during pregnancy, although sciatica isn't a result necessarily of being pregnant

• Fewer calf cramps

• headache and sinus congestion relief

• aids circulation by easing the load on the heart and helping to normalise blood pressure

• Massage helps carry away the lactic acid and other cellular waste products that build up and cause muscle fatigue

• massage can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes

• relief from many of the normal discomforts during pregnancy, backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, oedema and sore, swollen ankles and feet

• Increases local and general blood circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both mother and foetus resulting in greater vitality and less fatigue for the mother and better nourishment for the baby

• stimulation of glandular secretions, which helps stabilise hormone levels

• massage can be used during the birth to make it easier and more comfortable and, after the birth to help regain strength more quickly and ease post-partum stress