10 GHP Q1 2025 regnancy is an incredible journey, but it also comes with its fair share of physical and emotional challenges. As the body changes to accommodate a growing baby, many women experience aches and pains, uncomfortable swelling, and sudden changes in mood. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Urban, the UK’s leading app for booking at-home wellness treatments, to explore how massage can offer much-needed relief during pregnancy, supporting both body and mind. Relieving Aches and Pains ”It’s remarkable how the body adapts to accommodate a new life,” says Urban osteopath Concetta. “While a growing belly, enlarged uterus and back pain are widely recognised, other changes might take new mums by surprise, such as: inward curving of the spine (known as lordosis or ‘swayback’), drooping of the shoulders, and changes in the curve of the mid-back region and neck”. Although these changes are a normal part of pregnancy, they can lead to aches and pains arising. A prenatal massage is a great way to help to ease pressure on your joints and lower back, creating a feeling of release. “I had an incredible experience with Eva. Her expertise in pregnancy massage made me feel completely at ease and relieved so much tension and discomfort. She was attentive to my specific needs, making every moment relaxing and therapeutic. Highly recommend her to any expecting moms looking for safe, soothing relief – an absolute gem!” – Review for a prenatal massage with Eva Reducing Swelling Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs (also known as oedema) is another common pregnancy symptom that typically becomes more noticeable in the third trimester. But why does this happen? As your womb expands, it puts pressure on the circulation in the lower part of your body, making it harder for blood to flow efficiently. This can lead to buildup in your legs, ankles and feet. On top of that, your body naturally retains more fluid during pregnancy, which further contributes to swelling in your lower limbs. Gentle exercise and rolling massage techniques stimulate lymphatic flow, helping to flush out any toxins and alleviate fluid retention. (To note: massage isn’t advised during the first trimester.) “Amazing massage. Really helped to reduce my postpartum swelling in my legs. Will be booking another soon for sure.” – Review for a manual lymphatic drainage with Iwona Easing Stress During pregnancy, studies show that oestrogen levels progressively rise, reaching up to 100 times their pre-pregnancy levels by the third trimester. With such dramatic hormonal changes, it’s no surprise that expectant mothers may experience intense mood swings and heightened feelings of stress. The solution? We recommend an hour or two of stress-melting massage therapy… P Massage has been found to boost serotonin levels by 28% while reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) by an average of 31%. This means a soothing head-to-toe pregnancy massage could be the perfect way to lift your mood, ease tension, and restore a sense of balance. “Judit has been amazing throughout my pregnancy. I count down the hours to these massages!” – Review for a prenatal massage with Judit Safe and convenient Treatments with Urban Urban prenatal massages are specifically designed for mums-tobe in their second and third trimesters, with therapists specially trained in pregnancy-safe techniques to make sure you’re safe and comfortable. And the best part? With Urban, there’s no need to trek to a spa or clinic to enjoy that relaxing pregnancy massage – simply book through the app, and a qualified professional will arrive at your doorstep in as little as 60 minutes. Available daily from 7am to 11pm across London and the South East, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow, Urban fits seamlessly into your schedule and makes wellness more accessible than ever before. It’s city-life, with a human touch. Book in your pregnancy-safe massage at urban.co The Power of Massage During Pregnancy
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