What is a Pregnancy Massage?

A pregnancy massage, also known as prenatal massage, has a variety of health benefits that many women who undergo the treatment experience. The focus is to relax muscles, release tension and improve pregnancy-related ailments such as swelling, headaches and lack of sleep.

The Massage

You probably will not be lying on your stomach or back for a pregnancy massage. Much of the massage is done while you are lying on either side with a body pillow wrapped around you in various ways for additional support. Many pregnancy massage therapists use a special cushion with hollowed-out sections for your breasts and belly. This allows you to lie on your stomach for the massage. Much of the massage is done on your upper and lower back, hips, legs, feet, shoulders and neck to achieve much of the benefits associated with the pregnancy massage.

Benefits

Pregnancy massages come with a variety of benefits that release tension in your body including reducing pain in your hips and joints, relieving back pain, reducing headaches, improving posture and relieving some of the stress on your abdomen and breasts. Additional benefits include improving circulation, reducing edema and having better sleep. Emotional benefits include reducing your stress and anxiety throughout your pregnancy.

Finding a Massage Therapist

Locate a massage therapist who is certified as a pregnancy or prenatal massage therapist. A certified prenatal massage therapist has gone through additional training to understand more about a woman's body during pregnancy as well as possible sore spots and sensitive areas. Ask your doctor for a recommendation, or do a search at americanpregnancymassage.org to find a massage therapist in your area.

Potential Risks

A pregnancy massage can be done for women in any trimester. Some therapists do not want to do one during the first trimester because of the miscarriage risk factors. Women who have a high-risk pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension, severe swelling or headaches, high blood pressure or preeclampsia should consult with their doctor before schedule a massage.