What are the Benefits of a Prenatal Massage?

A massage anytime feels great and has many benefits. But a massage for a pregnant woman is especially beneficial for a variety of reasons. In general a pregnancy massage reduces stress, relaxes the woman and alleviates a variety of pains a woman feels during pregnancy. A massage helps to reduce the discomfort and stress that the pregnancy puts on the body as well as the mind.

A massage during pregnancy helps alleviate back, neck and joint pain, beats tension, fatigue and headaches, enhances posture and reduces blood pressure. All of which can cause pain, sleeplessness and other problems that mount during pregnancy. A pregnancy massage can also help alleviate digestive issues that many pregnant women have problems with.

Whether given by a partner or from a human touch massage chair, a massage during pregnancy helps support the woman emotionally because of the physical touch. It can enhance self esteem and make the woman feel more comfortable in her ever changing body.

Additional benefits of a prenatal massage are vast. It helps to prepare the mother's muscles for childbirth, reduces swelling in her hands and feet, increases her flexibility, reduces excess fluid retention and slows varicose vein development.

Be Aware

Most pregnancy massages are fine for expecting mothers in their second or third trimesters. A massage should generally be avoided during the first trimester.

Additionally, even though a massage for a pregnant woman is seen as alternative or supplemental care, women should consult their health care physician before getting a pregnancy massage or climbing into a massage chair.

That's because women with certain conditions-although unlikely-may cause harm to themselves or their baby because of a massage. Conditions such as diabetes or a malignant condition are on this list as are women with heavy discharge, fever, vomiting, unusual pain, pre-eclampsia and more.

If you are at all concerned about a massage and you're pregnant, consult your physician first.