As
a pregnant woman, you need a special kind of massage, one that
deals with your transforming body. Since you can change from
day to day and week to week, each massage is customized for
your needs, taking your pregnancy's progression into account.
Receiving massage during pregnancy can help deal with issues
such as low back and hip pain, swelling and changing body image.
Massage increases your blood flow, helps you relax, decreases
cramping and stress and offers emotional support.
Because
unchecked stress levels can decrease blood flow to the uterus,
regular massage throughout your pregnancy may even make your
labor easier.
Varying positions are used for pregnancy massage, usually side-lying
and semi-reclining. Lots of pillows are used for support and
comfort while the massage nurtures and relaxes you.
I have received certification in
pregnancy massage from Carole Osborne-Sheets, a leader in the field and author of Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy.
