Prenatal massage a very valuable and beneficial process for an expecting mother.

Pregnancy Massage often referred to as prenatal massage, can be a very valuable and beneficial process for an expecting mother. Massage is also a great way to begin preparation for labor as well as to use during labor itself. Massage can be something the pregnant woman con enjoy throughout her entire pregnancy and the gentle massages administered in the days leading up to her due date provide a wonderful opportunity for childbirth preparation.

Many women who are pregnant have lower back pain; this is especially true as she approaches the end of her pregnancy. In fact, many women can not sleep well because this back pain is so uncomfortable, but fortunately, this uncomfortable feeling and pain can be alleviated by using massage techniques. During the woman's first trimester of pregnancy, a massage therapist will need to be extremely careful when administering massage to the woman's lower back and only a very gentle touch should be used, however, as the pregnancy continues, and especially in the later part of the pregnancy, lower back massages can provide enormous relief from the numerous aches and pains common at this point in the pregnancy.

Pregnancy massage can help with a wide range of problems, from physical aches and pains to emotional issues. Fluctuating moods are very common during pregnancy. Many women find it difficult to relax as the baby grows, and women may also feel worried about labor or even scared of giving birth. Relaxing massages can help to de-stress, to balance emotions and to help the expectant mother to sleep.

From swelling ankles to poor posture and from back pain to muscle cramps, being pregnant can create many uncomfortable experiences. Massage can bring great relief from pain, tension, cramps and spasms. Leg massage improves circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system, which in turn reduces swelling in the legs.

When considering the possibility of having an antenatal massage, be sure to locate a massage therapist who makes you feel comfortable and who has been trained in the use of pre-natal massage. Never be afraid to question your therapist regarding their experience or training. Your first concern should be safety, and you need to be able to fully trust your massage therapist so that you can concentrate on relaxing during your massage.

How does this prenatal massage work? In the early stages of the pregnancy, you will most likely not have any problems because you will be able to easily lie down on a regular massage couch either on your belly or on your back, as long as there are cushions to help support you and allow you to move if need be. However, as the pregnancy gets further along, you may need to be more creative in how you get your massage, you will no longer be able to lie on your stomach and trying to lie on your back will be uncomfortable and it is not recommended. You might be able to just lie on your side using cushions to support yourself, but some women have found that using a stool to sit on is preferable, this way the massage therapist can either kneel or stand behind the woman.

Pregnancy massage is typically considered safe, although there are some precautions one should take. Any massage done over the belly should be extremely light and maybe not performed at all when the woman is still in her first trimester, this is especially true if she has a history of miscarriages or if the pregnant woman is at all uncomfortable with the procedure. However, in the later months, using gentle massage strokes on the belly can be extremely helpful. Sometimes the unborn baby will react to these movements and if baby is active and kicking a great deal, it can provide a calming effect.