Pregnancy massage will benefit your baby as well because massage increases blood flow to the uterus, placenta, and fetus. Also, since massage improves lymph flow, which helps flush out toxins. More nutrients and oxygen promote healthy tissues of both mother and the baby.

Massage can also be useful for labor. Techniques can be done by your partner or a doula. Of course the time to learn the techniques is while you’re pregnant before you go into labor. It is a great idea to take your partner or friend with you when you get your massage, any professional therapist will encourage this, they can show your partner many comfort measures he or she can use at home and will also explain why some techniques are unsafe. These special touches will really help out when you’re in labor!

Is prenatal massage for you? Massage during pregnancy is usually safe for most mothers. Be sure to inform your massage therapist of any problems or complications with your pregnancy before you begin. If you are, then your therapist may require approval from your primary health care provider before proceeding, just to be safe. The following are circumstances in which massage should not be performed:

· Heavy discharge (watery or bloody); · Diabetes; · Contagious illness; · Fever; · Vomiting; · Unusual pain; · Pre-eclampsia; · High blood pressure; · Morning sickness; · Abdominal pain; · Diarrhea; · Any malignant condition.

Areas of the body that should not be massaged include:

· Skin rashes, open sores, bruises; · Inflammation; · Raised or distended varicose veins; · Local infection sites.

In addition to these areas, one other precaution needs to be mentioned: Direct and sustained pressure should not be applied to the area between the ankle bone and heel. This area is considered by many massage therapists and reflexologists to relate with the uterus and vagina, and it is thought that heavy pressure to this area could promote early labor. Assuming there are no other precautions or considerations, it should be all right to massage the rest of the feet.

A massage during pregnancy is definitely something you don’t want to miss out on. Even if you are only able to get it done once during your second or third trimester, it will be an experience you won’t forget.

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