Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Massage and pregnancy has often received ambivalent responses from the health community regarding the safety and purpose of massage during pregnancy.
Modern investigation and research is proving that prenatal massage therapy can be a very instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal care and should be given careful consideration.
After the fourth month of pregnancy, lying flat on your back can cause pressure on important blood vessels, so ask your therapist to use pillows that allow you to face the wall rather than the ceiling.
Reflexology, a therapy in which pressure is applied to specific areas of the feet, hands, and ears, can work wonders on swollen, tired tootsies and reduce overall stress.
Be certain, however, that your therapist is knowledgeable about pregnancy since pressure applied to certain areas (such as the area between the anklebone and heel) can trigger contractions.
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