The Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy

Massage during pregnancy is an absolute must for all expecting moms. Anyone who has been pregnant can tell you that the body stretching to accommodate another body can lead to many aches and pains that are a part of the process one goes through in order to produce that bundle of joy. Pregnancy massage can help to alleviate these aches and pains by giving you the ability to relax and reduce stress.

It allows for relief of muscle cramping, spasms and myofascial pain of the lower back, neck, hips and legs. It can increase blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce the swelling experienced in pregnancy. It can reduce the stress felt on weight-bearing joints (knees and hips). It can also ease the pain of labor and improve the outcome of laboring muscles. It improves the flexibility of skin and the underlying tissues. It can also provide support for the mother-to-be and the new mother in physical and emotional ways.

A pregnant woman who is thinking of using massage therapy should investigate any therapist she is thinking of using to assure herself that the therapist is not only a licensed therapist but that she is experienced in doing "pregnancy massage". Pregnancy massage requires special training to explore techniques that are safe for the mother and her unborn baby. Not every therapist is qualified or trained to do massage on pregnant and postpartum women, so you have to ask.

There are many ways that a pregnancy massage differs from a regular massage. The therapist must be knowledgeable about the pregnant body and it’s very special needs that are based on the changing structure of the body. The positioning during a massage will be different for the pregnant body from that of the non-pregnant body. It is critical for the safety of the mom and unborn baby that correct positioning be used. There are also parts of the pregnant body that should not be massaged.

In the later stages of pregnancy, the massage table should be set up so that the pregnant woman is in a semi-reclining position. This position will be safe for the baby and comfortable for the mom-to-be. Body pillows should be used for when you need to switch body positions from side to side or from back to hips. The therapists should use these pillows and any extra padding necessary to make you comfortable during the massage. Some massage therapists may have special pregnancy massage tables. These are tables that have the hole cut out for your belly and they allow you to lie face down comfortably, something that is near impossible in the second and third trimesters.

Sometimes scents can disturb the pregnant woman and if this is the case for you, be sure to tell your therapist as many will use candles, music and low lighting to help relax massage clients.

The removal of clothing is always between you and your therapist and should be based on your comfort level. Some prefer to unclothe and wear only the sheets provided, while others prefer to wear intimate clothing such as panties and bra as well as being covered by sheets. The massage should in no way make you stressed or to feel uncomfortable, as the whole point of the massage is to relax you and to relieve stresses.

Therapeutic massage can also be used during labor to help relieve the pain and discomforts felt during this happy but physically stressing event.