Water massage

Watsu (Water Shiatsu)

Why water treatments during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes that affect physical sensation and mood. Water treatments during pregnancy, such as hydrotherapy and Watsu, are a natural way to deeply relax, relieve pain, and provide a feeling of lightness and calm.

Warm water helps to release pressure from your back and pelvis, reduce swelling and improve blood circulation, while allowing you to move freely in the water. In addition, being in the water creates a deeper connection with your body and baby, allowing for a special emotional experience of calm and tranquility.

What is Watsu and how is it suitable for pregnant women?

Watsu (Water Shiatsu) is a gentle touch therapy in warm water, combining soft movements, stretching, and gentle pressure in the water.

The treatment is carried out in a heated pool, with full support from the therapist, so it is not necessary to know how to swim.
The feeling of weightlessness in water reduces strain on muscles and joints, improves flexibility, and allows for free, effortless movement.
The gentle movements release tension from the your body, encourage relaxation, and calm the nervous system.

The benefits of water treatments during pregnancy

Reducing back, pelvic and neck pain

Water removes weight from the body, relieves strain on the muscles and skeleton, and allows for easier movement.

Relief from edema and swelling

The water pressure helps drain fluids and improves blood circulation, which can relieve a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Improved breathing and deep relaxation

Floating in water allows for slow, regular breathing, which relaxes the body and nervous system.

Mental and emotional balance

The water provides a feeling of natural embrace, which reduces stress and creates a deep sense of calm.

Improving sleep quality

Relaxing muscles and relieving tension contribute to better sleep, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

Preparing for birth

Staying in the water strengthens the connection between mother and baby, helps with concentration and listening to the body, and allows for breathing and relaxation practice in preparation for birth.

How is Watsu treatment performed during pregnancy?

Preparation for treatment

At the beginning of the session, we will discuss your feelings, your physical condition, and make adjustments to the treatment according to your needs.

A series of movements, stretches, and gentle pressure

I lead you through circular relaxation movements, gentle shiatsu pressure on the tension areas of the body, and stretches that are especially tailored for pregnant women.

Gradual termination

Towards the end of the treatment, we will return to a relaxed pace of movement, you will have recovery time in the water and then we will slowly exit it while maintaining a sense of calm and comfort.

Easy entry into the water and floating

You enter the warm water with the support of customized accessories (such as foot floats), and I support your body so that you can completely relax.

Breathing and relaxation exercises

During the treatment, we will also focus on deep, slow breathing to help you relax and connect with your body and baby.

Who is Watsu treatment suitable for during pregnancy?

Watsu therapy during pregnancy is suitable for women who want to relieve physical and emotional burdens, improve blood circulation, and give themselves a moment of deep release and relaxation.

The treatment is especially recommended for pregnant women who experience lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or swollen legs. Women who struggle with anxiety, stress, or difficulty sleeping can benefit greatly from it, as the warm water helps to calm the nervous system and create a deep sense of calm.

Despite its many benefits, there are cases where it is advisable to consult a doctor before receiving hydrotherapy. Women with a history of premature birth, high blood pressure or preeclampsia should check their suitability for treatment. In cases of increased risk of infections, active skin diseases or medical conditions that limit movement, hydrotherapy may not be appropriate.

Water therapy during pregnancy is also suitable as preparation for childbirth, as it allows you to practice breathing, work on relaxing the body, and release the pelvic and back area in preparation for labor and childbirth itself.

In any case of doubt, it is recommended to have a personal consultation to check whether Watsu treatment during pregnancy is right for you.

Want to know more?

At what stage of pregnancy should you receive water therapy?

Water treatments during pregnancy are appropriate starting in the second trimester of pregnancy, when the body stabilizes and the placenta is established. In the first trimester, due to the accelerated hormonal changes and the higher risk of nausea and weakness, it is recommended to wait before starting water treatments.

In later stages of pregnancy, Watsu treatments can be particularly effective in reducing stress on the body and preparing for birth. Many women choose to incorporate water treatments in the third trimester to relieve back and pelvic pain, improve flexibility, and practice deep relaxation in preparation for labor.

In the final stages of pregnancy, water therapy can also help with better positioning of the fetus and release tensions that may affect the birth experience. Warm water allows for more comfortable body movement and alleviates the feeling of heaviness that characterizes the final weeks.

At every stage of pregnancy, it is important to feel comfortable during treatment and choose a relaxing environment with an experienced therapist who is suitable for pregnant women.

What is the difference between Watsu and pregnancy massage?

Both Watsu and pregnancy massage are treatments that I offer to relieve your body and improve your overall well-being during pregnancy, but there are significant differences between them in approach, technique, and effect on the body.

Pregnancy massage is performed on a massage table, and I use natural oils and gentle pressure to stimulate blood flow, release muscle tension, and help you feel relaxed and lighter. During the massage, you will lie on your side or in a semi-sitting position, and I will tailor the treatment to your stage of pregnancy, so that you feel safe and relaxed.

In contrast, in Watsu therapy, we go through a completely different experience together – in warm water, as I support your body and guide you in gentle, flowing movements. The water allows you to experience a sense of weightlessness, reduce strain on your joints and muscles, and deeply relax your body.

In pregnancy massage, I focus mainly on relieving specific tension and improving blood flow, while in Watsu, the water itself creates complete relaxation, allows for breathing work, and releases physical and emotional tension at the same time.

Many women who come to me combine the two treatments – they come for a pregnancy massage to directly treat tense and painful muscles, and then try water treatments to experience a sense of calm, buoyancy, and free movement that is not possible outside of the water.

Are water treatments safe during pregnancy?

One of the questions I hear the most from pregnant women who are interested in Watsu is whether it is safe. I understand the concerns, so it is important for me to explain that water treatments during pregnancy, when performed correctly and under the appropriate conditions, are completely safe and can even contribute to your health and the health of your baby.

The warm water in which the treatment is performed is not too hot, so there is no fear of overheating the body, which is one of the main concerns during pregnancy. The treatment is performed under controlled conditions, while being personalized to your condition and the stage of pregnancy you are in.

I make sure the treatment is done at a pace that suits you, without putting unnecessary pressure on your abdomen, and without movements that may cause discomfort. Additionally, because the water relieves the body of stress, it can actually reduce the risk of pain and excess pressure on the back and pelvis.

However, in some cases, such as women with a history of premature birth, preeclampsia, or unique medical conditions, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before receiving water therapy. If you have any doubts or questions, I am here to guide you and make sure the treatment is right for you personally.

Frequently asked questions about water treatments during pregnancy

Is Watsu suitable for every pregnant woman?

In most cases, yes. Watsu therapy is suitable for pregnant women from the second trimester onwards, and is especially recommended for women who suffer from back pain, pelvic pressure, edema or mental stress. If you have a history of premature birth, high blood pressure or a medical condition that requires special care, I recommend consulting with me or your doctor before scheduling a treatment.

Do you need to know how to swim to undergo Watsu therapy?

No, absolutely not. The treatment is performed in warm water at a depth where you can comfortably stand, and I support your body throughout the treatment. You can completely relax and let the water and gentle movement do their thing.

How long does Watsu treatment last during pregnancy?

A standard treatment lasts about 50 minutes, but customized treatments can also be scheduled according to your needs.

Is it possible to combine water treatments in preparation for childbirth?

Absolutely. Hydrotherapy in the later stages of pregnancy can help prepare the body for labor, relax muscles, and improve pelvic flexibility. It also helps with breathing exercises and stress reduction in preparation for labor.

Is it possible to receive Watsu treatment after giving birth?

Yes! After giving birth, your body goes through a recovery process, and water treatments can be very helpful in relieving strain on your back and shoulders, improving blood circulation, and calming your mind during this new and exciting period.

How do I know if Watsu is right for me?

If you want to have a relaxing and liberating experience during pregnancy, I recommend trying a treatment and seeing how it feels for you. You can always contact me for a consultation, and I will tailor the treatment to you personally.