As mothers and moms-to-be know, pregnancy, although wonderful, has many discomforts and added stress. Touch of any kind, especially massage, is important to the physical and emotional well-being of a mother as she adapts to a new body image. The changes, stresses, and challenges of the pregnant body are a good reason that moms should get massage.

So that you may enjoy total relaxation, I utilize a pregnancy table that has cut-outs for both the growing belly and the breasts.

Is Prenatal Massage for you?

Yes, massage is usually safe for most mothers, and it is beneficial throughout the nine months of a low-risk pregnancy. If your pregnancy is not low risk, you will want to discuss receiving massages with your Physician or Midwife before making an appointment. Massage therapy during pregnancy can include light massage, deep pressure massage, Myofascial release techniques, circulatory work, acupressure, and reflexology, to name a few.

What are specific benefits of Pre-natal work?

-Emotional support and nurturing touch
-Stress relief on weight bearing joints (ankles, low back, pelvis)
-Assistance in maintaining proper posture
-Lessened sciatic pain
-Relief from headache and sinus congestion
-Reduces the possibility of problems with swelling, varicose veins, and leg cramps
-Enhances self-esteem and image, helping the pregnant woman feel more at home in her new body

What about the feet?

According to most massage text books there are certain areas of the ankles that should not be subject to sustained pressure. This area is considered by many body workers and reflexologists to relate with the uterus and vagina and therefore could promote early labor. Assuming there are no other precautions or considerations, it is all right to massage the rest of the feet.

If you have any questions about receiving a massage, it would be best to get a doctors written permission.