Ah . . . pregnancy. Exciting, exhausting, and the baby isn’t even here yet. Prenatal massages are designed to help new mom's-to-be to get through those uncomfortable periods while the body adjusts to your growing treasure. Many of the techniques used are the same as for relaxation massage, but they may be adjusted slightly for the stage of your pregnancy. Prenatal massage can help your body relax, relieve lower back pain, help reduce that “heavy leg” feeling, improve circulation, increase mobility, promote well being and help the body to be less stressed. Try to find therapists specifically trained in prenatal massage as they will know where the aches are and how best to make you feel better. Some prenatal massage therapists have special beds and/or cushions that facilitate lying face down and allow for tender breasts and a growing tummy. Generally the weight of the uterus makes lying on your back uncomfortable, in fact, this position is not advised because it can affect the blood flow of the lower extremities. If your massage therapist doesn’t have a special bed, a massage can be done while lying on your side using a body pillow for support.
Remember, the more comfortable you can be during your pregnancy, the happier mommy 'n' baby will be. The cost of prenatal massage is about the same as standard massage ranging from $60 - $90 for an hour massage. BTW, check with your health insurance as some insurance plans will cover it.
