Pregnancy Massage

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PREGNANCY MASSAGE

Massage is recommended during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts. Studies indicate that massage therapy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Margarita uses Deep Tissue, Swedish and Trigger points therapy within the session depending upon your needs.

Hormone Regulation

Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to women’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health.

In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) were reduced, and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with Depression).

These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence strongly suggests there are maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.

Diastasis Recti

If you have the signs of Diastasis Recti a prenatal massage can assist the muscles and connective tissue of the tummy, thus lessening the possibility of lasting impact.

Pregnancy backache

As your baby grows, your posture changes and backache in the lower and upper back is common. Massage can greatly help loosen tight muscles/Fascia and relieve tension.

SPD or PGP

Ligaments and joints are being softened by the over-production of the hormone, relaxin. This can lead to symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) or pelvic girdle pain (PGP), which can be very debilitating. One of Margarita’s specialities is helping women that have PGP during pregnancy and postnatally. Massage can assist in helping release oxytocin and endorphins, in turn lessening pain and discomfort.

Margarita will also show you how you should use your body as your pregnancy progresses to help prevent/aid two conditions.

Please note: While massage can be a wonderful way to ease away aches and pains, there are times when it is not appropriate to have a pregnancy massage. If, for example, you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, please arrange to have a telephone consultation with Margarita prior to booking a massage:

  • Morning sickness or extreme nausea
  • Heavy vaginal discharge or if it is bloody or watery
  • High blood pressure
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Diabetes
  • High temperature/fever
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Vomiting/diarrhoea
  • Unusual or unidentified pain
  • Contagious illness

Sciatica in pregnancy

Posture changes as your baby and uterus grow can cause tightness and tension in the glutes and compression of the sciatic nerve. Some women may experience sciatic pain down the back of the thigh, the lower part of the leg and the sole of the foot. Margarita has found great results with fascial release and trigger point therapy to help release Sciatica.Ā 

Migraine and headaches

Ten per cent of women suffer from migraines in pregnancy. Headaches can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations or by stress or tension in the head, neck and shoulder area as a result of poor posture. Massage will help relieve tension and improve blood circulation in these areas thus easing symptoms.

Stretch marks

As your bump grows, the skin will stretch causing tightness and stretch marks. Massage of the tummy assists in keeping the skin and connective tissue hydrated to help lessen the development of stretch marks.

Circulation

The circulation is working twice as hard as it usually does, so leg cramps and oedema (swelling in the ankles and hands) can be a common symptom of late pregnancy. Massage can be very helpful in helping to boost circulation and encouraging lymph to move around the body, helping to remove toxins and reduce swelling.

Pregnancy heartburn

During the latter stages of pregnancy, your digestive system becomes sluggish to allow time for the baby to absorb vital nutrients, which in turn may cause constipation and heartburn. Stress can make heartburn worse, so a massage will help to reduce anxiety and tension and can help ease symptoms.

Anaemia during pregnancy

Due to the increased demands placed on your body during pregnancy, iron deficiency is common. It is a condition in which there is insufficient haemoglobin in the blood. As well as increasing your iron intake, a full body massage will help boost blood and lymph circulation and relieve fatigue. Stimulating circulation contributes to a healthy red blood count and the production of more haemoglobin.

Please note: While massage can be a wonderful way to ease away aches and pains, there are times when it is not appropriate to have a pregnancy massage. If, for example, you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, please arrange to have a telephone consultation with Margarita prior to booking a massage:

  • Morning sickness or extreme nausea
  • Heavy vaginal discharge or if it is bloody or watery
  • High blood pressure
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Diabetes
  • High temperature/fever
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Vomiting/diarrhoea
  • Unusual or unidentified pain
  • Contagious illness
Reach out if you have questions text +44 (0)7500 333938 or email. mb@margaritabennett.co.uk
  • Profoundly helpful reconfiguring work after a spinal cord injury. M is calm, knowledgeable and supportive.
    Erica Sosna
  • Incredible. Life changing! Amazing! HIGHLY recommended šŸ§˜ā€ā™€ļøšŸ¦‹šŸ©µ
    Cherry Blossom Arts
  • ā€œI never thought that at the age of 84 I would be having one to one sessions with a Personal Trainer but after speaking with Maggie I had to give it a go. I explained how I was having problems with my pelvic floor. My GP had said that it was old age and I should just accept that this is the way it will be. Maggie on the other hand said the pelvic floor is a muscle and like all muscles they can be strengthen and improved. I saw her for 8 weeks, she took me through various core exercises as well as pelvic floor exercises and now I do them at home every day and my pelvic floor is much stronger. I no longer have that sense of urgency that would always send me into a panic.ā€
    Beata 84yrs (Hove)
  • ā€œInvaluable advice!! thanks so much for coming over! Maggie definitely has made me think about my posture, and I have been doing the exercises, and pelvic floor exercises every day.ā€
    Jess Haggerty (4 months pregnant in Brighton)
  • Amazing experience with every session! Highly recommend and a must try!
    C.L
  • Hi Margarita, it's Holly here. We met back in September around my struggles with vertigo. I wanted to let you know I was tested and have since been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. I cannot thank you enough, from the bottom of my heart, for identifying this in me. It really feels like the most precious discovery. Something I've been strangely energised by, and am excited to see where this new understanding of myself will lead. You will forever be a special human in my life, and for that I am so grateful.
    Holly
  • I can’t put into words how healing the session was for me! Margerita captured so many of my feelings that I struggled to express. It honestly blew my mind how accurate the reading was, while also shining a light on things I hadn’t realized. It really expanded my awareness! Before the session, I felt a bit off-kilter and closed off, but afterward, I felt so much lighter and open, with a fresh sense of clarity and direction. šŸ™ I’m so grateful to have experienced the gifts of such a kind and talented healer who spreads so much light and healing! Thank you!
    steph d
  • I seeked Margarita’s help due to a a head /jaw injury and arthritis, however it has proved to be so much more. As my energy is flowing freer, physical injury is healed, I am released of subconscious trauma and limiting beliefs to embrace a more present experience of life. Margarita is very knowledgeable, kind and eloquent in explaining scientifically backed research. I am grateful for having been introduced to Margarita.
    Kat Hornby
  • Hi Margarita, it's Holly here. We met back in September around my struggles with vertigo. I wanted to let you know I was tested and have since been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. I cannot thank you enough, from the bottom of my heart, for identifying this in me. It really feels like the most precious discovery. Something I've been strangely energised by, and am excited to see where this new understanding of myself will lead. You will forever be a special human in my life, and for that I am so grateful
    Holly Rebecca
  •     Maggie is a calm, intuitive, knowledgeable woman who offered a space of healing and rest for myself. I worked with maggie through a time of crisis in my life. I was extracting my self from a long term abusive relationship, Ā and living with many external responsibilities and internal trauma that I was carrying with in my body and mind . With out talking as you would a counsellor ( we did little talking ) maggie knew. Her intuition and ability know how and where to work is a gift. It was a gift I gave my self. I felt safe with her, that trust has been important in my healing, because it is very easy to cut off from your body and not feel but it remembers, and carries it, holds on to it.. maggie worked with me so I could move forward.. to today and today is good .
    Lara B, Brighton
  • Maggie is wonderful at what she does, my experiences with her so far have been extremely healing and it completely shocked me at how much it unpacked for me mentally. I always feel lighter and less anxious when I leave after a session and it blows my mind that this can be done without even being touched! Her work definitely goes deeper than the surface level of my chronic pain and I’m hopeful and positive working with her regularly will continue my healing journey physically and mentally. Thankyou Maggie! :’)
    Tabna
  • ā€œMaggie has the ability to make a tired, lumpy, worn out new Mum feel like she has a real chance at getting her swagger back. The workouts are enjoyably hard and carefully designed to concentrate on the areas that pregnancy has taken its toll. She is an incredible motivator and instils the belief that getting back to your pre-pregnancy figure and energy levels, is not far off. She is also very good company along the way and empathetic having two young children of her own, although don’t expect her to go soft as she has your goal in sight even if you are not clear what it is yet! You will learn to love the plank and all exercises involving an inflatable ball.ā€
    Karen Covic mum of a beautiful little girl
  • I had a fantastic experience with Margarita for my Psychic Reading. Her gentleness and insight made me feel seen in such depth, and so held. The reverberations of our work together are still going through my system, and I am already seeing some shifts happening for me. She definitely contributed to putting in motion and fostering an important transformation for me.
    selika cerofolini
  • Several of my friends went to see Margaretta and my curiousity was building! I've found the sessions to be completly profound and inspirational. Margaretta provides a safe and inviting space to unpack and learn on your healing journey. She's a deeply intuitive, caring and obviously very talented practitioner. During my work with Margaretta I've noticed that I've been able to go to places I've never been before and work on material in layers I've never visited before. It's been a life affirming and her reassuring presence and encouragement has made this possible. I've heard people talk about seeing healers but never quite got it. Now I get it. Thankyou Margaretta for everything.
    Liesl Dee
  • I was recommended Margarita by a friend recently. I went to see her because of the stress of post operative pain and needed my mind and body calming. I have found her to be compassionate, confident and wise. She is incredibly experienced, intuitive and insightful; both of my psyche and my body. I have a very deep trust in her and the treatments have unfolded beyond my 'presenting issues' into something deeper and more profound.
    Robbie Dickson
  • Maggie is amazing , truly a gifted person who can help you in so many ways . It’s impossible to explain exactly what Maggie does but I can honestly say if you are treated by her you will be blessed and leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated with the knowledge on how you can move forward .
    Debbie Mynard
  • "Maggies sessionsĀ are fantastic and a lesson both me and my baby really look forward to each week. They are excellent if you are keen to get back in to shape but want to do this with your baby and so encouraging play and bonding. The classes are small with emphasis on tailoring sessions to the individuals and babies present. I started the classes when my daughter was 3 months old. She loves the classes whether she is watching the other babies, the other mums or participating as a weight for my exercises!! Maggie is a great motivator and has been fantastic helping me get in shape."
    Kim, Hove
  • ā€œI started working out with Maggie Bennett about four months after having my second child. I’d found it hard to lose the baby weight after this particular pregnancy (I’m 5ft1ā€ and normally a size 8-10, but had just had an 11lb baby) so I’d pretty much assumed my bikini days were over! Then MaggieĀ came along and changed all of that. Not only did she change my body shape, my energy levels and also my rate of fitness, but she also completely altered my attitude to exercise – and I’d thought all of that was impossible! If I could give any woman any piece of advice it is this: Don’t buy that dress or that cake or that nail polish. Instead, treat yourself to some one-to-one workouts with Maggie. Why? Because, in the long run, it will be money better spent. I worked bloody hard for one hour a week (all the time I could spare as a busy mum) but it really worked. After each workout, Maggie gave me lots of nutritional advice too. I really appreciated this and I have to say that the two things combined were the recipe for getting fit, slim and healthy. Lots of trainers might specialise in women’s fitness, but Maggie just seems to know exactly what needs to be done to put things back together again. If you get a chance to sign up for training with Maggie, just do it (because she gets booked up pretty quickly and her sessions are gold dust). Working out with her gave me the right balance of encouragement and good results. It changed my life because she made me want to exercise.ā€ ā€œIncidentally, in my first five weeks of working out with Maggie, I lost 5ā€ off my waist. She’s amazing.ā€
    Jessica Harvey 32 (mother of two young healthy strapping boys)
  • "I can’t thank you enough for all your help, support and above all, making it fun and personal. You have done wonders and I always tell people how fab you are. Will definitely be back for more if we are lucky enough to have a baby number 2."
    Lorraine, Hove
  • Maggie has been a wonderful support to me through treatment for breast cancer and afterwards. She is very intuitive about what my body (and mind) needs and has been able to recognise this and express it in ways that I (and most of us) are often unable to. More recently Maggie has supported me through a very difficult and anxious time immediately post treatment, treating me with confidence and holding me exceptionally well emotionally. I feel very safe in Maggie’s competent hands - they are both magic and very healing. Thank you Maggie!
    Rachael Costelloe
  • While passing through Brighton last year, I was referred to Maggie for a massage and thankfully took my friends advice. I have worked in the health field for 20+ years and I am often reluctant to get massages from unknown practitioners, as they often lack even a back understanding of physiology. Maggie is quite a special in that she has a deep knowledge base, and is both interested and passion about physical recovery. It would be wrong to categorise what she does as a simply 'massage', as she is, in the truest sense of the word, a healer. It was one of the most relaxing massages I've ever received, but most importantly, in one session she was able to make lasting corrections to a long standing shoulder issue I've had. She is incredibly kind and caring, and I would like to pass on that very lucky recommendation I received a year ago, as it was more then deserved. Anthony Lucero, USA
    Anthony Lucero, USA
  • ā€œTraining with MaggieĀ has been great fun! I have had three babies back to back, they are six, four and eighteen months. After having my third I literally felt like i’d been in a car crash! My back, neck and shoulders were constantly aching, and although I am lucky to have never been over weight, I had gained a tyre around my middle which I was incredibly self concious and unhappy about. I joined a gym which has been great but I mainly stuck to classes as I found the advice and guidance or the gym instructors completely useless. This is where MaggieĀ has really helped me out. She assessed me and told me exactly what was wrong with me, and where I was out of alignment. However, most importantly she has showed me the right excercises I need to do to correct my problems. It has been amazing, my back, neck and shoulders are nearly back to normal and my tyre has almost gone. I feel stronger and have loads more energy, and can see my body shape changing, which is really rewarding. I have found a new love for fitness which I never had before! I love going to the gym now, thank you Maggie.ā€
    Natalia Perkins, Hove
  • I was looking for something more than a massage but wasn’t sure what, until I had a treatment with Maggie and I’m so pleased I did. Kind caring and naturally hones in on what you and your body needs.
    Yvette Knapman
  • Maggie's Deep Tissue Massage is an amazing experience. Her sessions are a perfect combination of therapeutic manipulation and wonderful relaxation and are truly invigorating. I could literally feel my blood flow increasing at great speed. Maggie has sound knowledge of anatomy and tailors her sessions to perfectionā€Ž. IĀ left the room feeling brand new!
    Suzie Valerio
  • Its very hard to put this experience into words. I have had opportunity to meet Maggie during my second visit to Brighton. She is an intuitive and connected therapist, figures out need of body and works according to it. During my massage session, I could feel strong tangible flow of energies into my body, which healed me of every minor stiffness and other energy blockages. I can happily recommend her to anyone who wants a deeper experience of massage therapy. Thank you Maggie. Blessings, Vipin
    Vipin, Himalays
  • I had marvellous treatments with Maggie. She is phenomenally talented and insightful. Our sessions were moving and effective. I believe some of the deeply relaxing work she did on my nervous system helped me recover from stress-related fertility problems.
    Miranda Wood
  • Maggie is a natural healer, with a beautiful soul. I came to Maggie after many years of pain. Everyone I went to varied with their opinions and I usually was in more pain after their sessions. I have been to 3 sessions, and already beginning to heal. I couldn’t hardly walk after Covid now I can walk three miles with no pain. My body is learning to relax instead of going into fight or flight. There was so much fear and trauma that had built up over the years and so much has been released. I will still go for further treatments as I feel I still have some more work to do. I completely trust this beautiful lady. Thank you Maggie with so much love from my heart and soul.šŸ’œšŸ’œšŸ’œ
    Ann Carpenter