As you moms-to-be know, most pregnant women feel discomfort and added stress on their bodies. A massage is great when you’re not pregnant but even better when you are. When I received a prenatal massage gift certificate I thought, ok do I look like I want to strip down and get a massage, BUT when I walked out of there I was loving the friend who got it for me. That may be why more and more pregnant women are discovering and benefiting from the art of prenatal massage. Not only does it feel good but you are able to relieve stress, ease sore spots, relax tense muscles, improve circulation and mobility. Even your baby will benefit from a prenatal massage.

What to Expect
Relax. Do your best not to worry about all the “what if this”, and “how are they going to be able to do that”. Your massage therapist will work out everything so you will be as comfortable as you can get. There are different ways you can get a pregnancy massage. You may lie on your sides, and you can actually lie on your belly. Since a specifically designed pillow has made it possible for expectant moms, no matter how far along they are, to lie flat on their stomachs. The pillow features a deep center cutout, so that bellies are accommodated and moms-to-be is relaxed and comfortable. You can also lie on your back; however it’s not a good idea after 22 weeks because the weight of your uterus puts too much pressure on the vein that returns blood from your legs to your heart.

During the massage you shouldn’t experience any pain from deep pressure massaging. The most effective guide for determining proper pressure is open communication between you and your therapist. The massage can last anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much time you have and how you are feeling. It is safe and enjoyable to receive a massage a couple times a week, especially towards the end of your pregnancy. This will also help you to get the most out of the benefits. However, it can get costly. Prenatal massages can run anywhere from $50 to $110, depending on where you live. Look into your health insurance benefits. Some plans cover part of the cost for the massage if you have a medical reason, such as back pain, and can get a prescription from your midwife or doctor.

Benefits
Ooo Ahh, the feeling alone will be good enough. Prenatal massage is like breast feeding for your baby, but for your body. There are many benefits for the mom-to-be and her baby, too. A study conducted by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University of Miami, School of Medicine showed that massage actually reduces stress hormones in the body. Reducing stress can help an expectant mom physically and emotionally as she adapts to her new body image, which in turn nurtures the new life within her.

Aches and pains start to pop up everywhere due to all the physical changes you will be going through. Carrying a baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments so that your pelvic joints are less stable, and changes your posture by pulling your pelvis forward. Added to that the extra weight you're carrying and you've got yourself an aching lower back. A trained prenatal massage therapist knows where a pregnant woman's sore spots are likely to be and may be able to provide some relief. Just communicate with your massage therapist and tell her where you need special attention.

Pregnancy massage will benefit your baby as well because massage increases blood flow to the uterus, placenta, and fetus. Also, since massage improves lymph flow, which helps flush out toxins. More nutrients and oxygen promote healthy tissues of both mother and the baby.

Massage can also be useful for labor. Techniques can be done by your partner or a doula. Of course the time to learn the techniques is while you’re pregnant before you go into labor. It is a great idea to take your partner or friend with you when you get your massage, any professional therapist will encourage this, they can show your partner many comfort measures he or she can use at home and will also explain why some techniques are unsafe. These special touches will really help out when you’re in labor!

Is prenatal massage for you?
Massage during pregnancy is usually safe for most mothers. Be sure to inform your massage therapist of any problems or complications with your pregnancy before you begin. If you are, then your therapist may require approval from your primary health care provider before proceeding, just to be safe. The following are circumstances in which massage should not be performed:

· Heavy discharge (watery or bloody);
· Diabetes;
· Contagious illness;
· Fever;
· Vomiting;
· Unusual pain;
· Pre-eclampsia;
· High blood pressure;
· Morning sickness;
· Abdominal pain;
· Diarrhea;
· Any malignant condition.

Areas of the body that should not be massaged include:

· Skin rashes, open sores, bruises;
· Inflammation;
· Raised or distended varicose veins;
· Local infection sites.

In addition to these areas, one other precaution needs to be mentioned: Direct and sustained pressure should not be applied to the area between the ankle bone and heel. This area is considered by many massage therapists and reflexologists to relate with the uterus and vagina, and it is thought that heavy pressure to this area could promote early labor. Assuming there are no other precautions or considerations, it should be all right to massage the rest of the feet.

A massage during pregnancy is definitely something you don’t want to miss out on. Even if you are only able to get it done once during your second or third trimester, it will be an experience you won’t forget.