Pregnancy and Massage - A Winning Combination

By Arthur Bakeright

When in a pregnant state, your body is under enormous pressure. Everything aches and hurts. Pregnant females seek comfort and relief from this state, but is massage a viable solution? Many massage therapists today specialize in prenatal and postnatal massages and proclaim their benefits. It would seem that pregnancy and massage are a healthy combination.

So how does prenatal massage therapy differ from traditional massage? Well, your massage therapist will use a variety of different massage techniques focusing on the woman's back, neck and pelvic regions. These are the areas most often adversely affected by the experience of pregnancy.

Pregnancy and massage can be difficult if you are particularly modest. Your massage therapist can customize your massage while respecting your personal limits.

Another significant difference in a prenatal massage is the position you take when receiving a massage during pregnancy. You cannot and should not lie on your stomach, and so will most often lay on your side with pillows for support. There are special massage tables designed for pregnancy and massage, to allow room for the pregnant belly, but most massage therapists prefer to have you rest on your side.

The benefits of massage and pregnancy are many. When under stress, your body produces stress hormones which are felt by both yourself and also your baby. By reducing your stress levels with massage during pregnancy, you provide health benefits and enhance the safety of your baby while easing your muscular aches and pains. This in turn enhances the joy you should experience during this special time of your life.

Finding a massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage might take some effort. You certainly will want to find a therapist who is trained and experienced in massage and pregnancy, ideally both prenatal and postnatal. For the sake of an enhanced physical and mental state, an improved childbirth experience, and a healthier baby, the benefits are worth the search. Massage and pregnancy can certainly make for a winning combination.