Third trimester: 28-40 weeks
Massage in the third trimester is focused on preparing you for childbirth through massage techniques, stretching and breathing exercises, helping to:
- Relieve muscular aches and pains
- Relieve 'restless limbs'
- Reduce tiredness and promote sleep
- Alleviate stress on weight-bearing joints
- Reduce oedema or swelling of joints and limbs
- Encourage the baby into the correct foetal position (through gentle exercises)
- Emotionally and physically prepare you for childbirth
- Involve your partner in birth preparation and demonstration of labour massage techniques
Return to the Benefits of Pregnancy Massage page.