Pregnancy is a journey like none else. Your body changes, you feel different and you look different. Some times you can feel the bones of your skeleton shift leaving you feeling unstable and up rooted. Or perhaps the constant pressure on certain joint is causing tense muscles, shooting nerves or a dull pain. Prenatal massage can be a perfect gift for a mother to be as she wearily wears her pregnant body.

What is prenatal massage?

Prenatal massage is an area of massage therapy designed specifically to enhance the well being of a pregnant woman. Therapists that have been trained in prenatal massage understand where the discomfort originates in a pregnant body. They are familiar with the constant changes of the body, as it expands growing a little baby.

The Benefits

Prenatal massage is a fairly new practice but there are some definite benefits. It soothes the body emotionally lessening depression and anxiety. It stimulates blood flow activating the systems of the body helping them maintain ultimate function. Whether it prevents or cures pain caused by pregnancy it defiantly helps relax tense muscles and joint pains. The gentle massage can help with lower back pain and other freedom from skeletal discomfort. Women have experienced reduced swelling and improved overall skin tone. It also reduces fatigue and increases relaxation and sound sleeping.

Is it safe?

There is mixed research on having prenatal massage prior to the second semester. Some researchers believe it aids in miscarriages and others argue that when performed properly there are no negative results: so you make up your mind! But with regards to the second and third trimester a prenatal massage is perfectly safe when you follow a couple rules. Don't have a massage if you are feeling ill e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fever etc... Use a prenatal massage therapist who has a special bed that accommodates a pregnant body reliving pressure from specific areas. Even though a trained therapist understand the general needs of pregnancy they don't know your specific needs, don't be shy tell them where your most discomfort is or if you have been experiencing lots of headaches or just overly stressed. By being specific and honest with your therapist they will be better equipped to help relive you.

Where to find a prenatal massage therapist

Ask for recommendations, call around and talk to different therapists' and ask lots of questions. Conduct a little research; see what massage therapists are popular and what makes them popular.