In general, there are several potential benefits to massage during pregnancy. Massage can aid in circulation, and help the pregnant woman with controlling her blood pressure. Massage can help to reduce stress, which has been prove to lead to a number of pregnancy complications. The muscle aches and discomfort that often accompany pregnancy can be relieved with massage. Massage can help those weight-bearing joints that tend to become strained during pregnancy. Even insomnia during pregnancy may be alleviated by massage. Finally, massage can even help to stimulate certain glandular secretions, which can help to stabilize hormone levels.
Massage during pregnancy has its own unique characteristics. The first and most obvious way that massage during pregnancy is unique is that the person receiving the massage is pregnant. Second, the anatomy of a woman is different when she is pregnant than when she is not pregnant. It is important that your massage therapist be aware of these anatomical differences, and adjust your massage therapy accordingly.
If you are considering seeing a massage therapist during pregnancy, there are some questions that you should ask her. Has she worked with pregnant clients before? Has she received any special training for giving massage to pregnant women? How will she change and/or adapt your massage therapy now that you are pregnant? The answers that she gives you to these questions will help you to decide whether or not you feel comfortable having her continue massage with you while you are pregnant.
In addition, some states or localities may license their massage therapists. If this is the case in your area, you should be certain that your massage therapist not only is licensed, but meets any requirements that the licensing organization has for giving massage therapy to a woman who is pregnant.
As with any activity, you should consult with your health care provider as to any special circumstances related to your pregnancy that might make massage therapy a bad idea for you.
