Prenatal Massage Benefits & What to expect

"To be pregnant is miraculous; to find relief from the various discomforts that may accompany pregnancy is phenomenal."-Valerie Voner, LMT

Benefits of Pre-Natal Massage:
*Relief of muscular tension, especially in the lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck
*Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints
*Enhances body awareness for better posture and less discomfort
*Assists with body mechanics and movements during immense structural change
*Eases stress and anxiety during time of emotional and physical transition
*Provides emotional support, wellbeing and nurturance, enabling the mom-to-be to translate those feeling of physical and emotional well-being to her unborn child.
*Increases blood and lymph circulation, thus supporting the physical functions of the heart, and reducing edema

Prenatal, or Pregnancy Massage is probably quite different to any other massage you may have received.
While receiving a prenatal massage, and depending on your stage of pregnancy, you will be either in a side-lying position or supine (on your back) for massage on your back, arms, legs and feet and will be re-positioned to a semi-reclining position for massage on your abdomen, arms, hands, neck and scalp.
Some therapists use a "prego pillow" or a table with a hole for Mama's tummy. I don't use these in my prenatal sessions for several reasons: Primarily due the stress on the uterine ligaments and low-back if placed in a face-down position. This position may also cause pressure on already tender breasts, and finally many expectant mothers prefer to communicate with her therapist during the session, (whether for emotional support or to ask questions) and the face-down position isn't conducive to such interaction .