Pregnancy is a wondrous period of a woman’s life. But it can be both exciting and painful as the human body stretches and widens to accommodate a growing fetus. Women who have been pregnant can attest to the strain their body endures during this 9 month period. Therapeutic massage is one of the benefits for pregnant women. During pregnancy a simple massage can rid the body of pain, spasms and cramps that are most common during pregnancy.

Therapeutic massage during pregnancy is very popular nowadays as more and more women are discovering its benefits. Therapeutic massage is known for aiding blood and lymph circulation which further reduces swelling. During pregnancy a woman’s stomach grows and the rest of her body experiences weight gain. This can result in pain on the weight bearing areas of the body such as the hips and knees. Therapeutic massage is able to reduce stress on these joints and can also be an aid during labour.

Many pregnant women are seeking the help of a licenced massage therapist but not every therapist is considered a miracle worker. Before choosing a therapist it is first important to view and investigate their credentials. Ensure they are appropriately licensed as a pregnancy massage specialist. Therapeutic pregnancy massage is a special aspect of massage therapy. It requires special training to ensure both mother and child are safe during sessions. Ordinary massage therapists are thus not qualified to perform pregnancy massage.

Pregnancy massage and regular massages differ in several ways. Firstly, pregnancy massage therapists are taught how a pregnant body functions and what exactly causes the imbalance many pregnant women often feel. Pregnant women will need to lie in a certain way while undergoing a massage because laying on their stomachs is nearly impossible. If a massage therapist is unaware of these simple positioning rules they will risk possible harm to the unborn fetus. There are also parts of a pregnant woman’s body that should not be massaged. This is why it is important to find a certified pregnancy massage therapist.

During a therapeutic massage, the pregnant woman is positioned in a semi-reclining fashion. This is said to be both comfortable and safe for the mother and the child. A lot of props and pillows are also required for comfort and safety. Massage tables are also required to be plain and simple and not those with holes and fancy features. The simpler the table the more comfortable it will be for the pregnant mother. Importantly, during pregnancy, many women become highly sensitive towards certain smells. Therapeutic massage therapists often ensure that candles and perfumes are not used during the massage process.

It is also important to ensure that the pregnant woman is very comfortable. This also includes the level of undress and this decision should solely be left up to the client. Some women prefer to be naked, while others prefer to be dressed in lingerie and some may even prefer to be fully covered by a sheet. This is simply a personal choice. Therapeutic massage on pregnant women is highly beneficial as it helps to relieve pain, stress and discomfort common during pregnancy.

Author Bio: I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stone massage supplies provider. They carry products such as hot stone therapy products, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Therapeutic massage,aromatherapy,massage therapist,pregnancy