“If I’d known a pregnancy massage would make me feel this good, I would have done it weeks ago.” Rick Morgan, owner of Rejuvenations Massage Therapy in Herndon, Virginia, says that’s usually the first thing expectant mothers say after their first pregnancy massage.

If you’re experiencing any of the normal discomfort associated with pregnancy, then the thought of a pregnancy massage probably sounds heavenly. The question is not if you want one, but when is the best time to get one. Rick says the answer to that question is today.

He has been providing pregnancy massage for five years, and has noticed that many women wait until their last trimester to get a massage. They immediately wonder why they suffered for so long. He says there is no reason to wait until you’re far along in your pregnancy; massage has never been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, but it has been associated with making the expectant mother feel good. In fact, regular massage during your pregnancy can be an important part of your prenatal health regime.

Why? Because pregnancy is a time of profound change: Your center of gravity changes and your muscles and joints have to work differently. Massage therapy can help your body go through these changes with more ease.

What are the Benefits?
Many expectant mothers wonder if pregnancy massage is safe for the baby. The answer is yes. It’s not only safe, it’s often very beneficial for you and your growing baby. If you’re experiencing any of the following conditions during your pregnancy, a massage may be just what your body needs to make it happy.
•    Back Pain
•    Sciatic Pain
•    Muscle / Leg Cramps
•    Edema / Swelling
•    Sacral Joint Pain
•    Stretch Marks

Massage also helps your body prepare for delivery by helping increase elasticity and range of motion in the joints and muscles associated with childbirth. And by helping blood flow in the legs, massage can reduce the chances of edema, varicose veins, and blood clots (if you already suffer from these conditions, then special precautions must be taken and you should let your doctor know you’re planning on getting a massage).

Rick says that, generally, pregnancy massage uses mild pressure applied to the muscle groups to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation. These techniques specifically address many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, studies show that pregnancy massage can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and the general health of the baby. Specifically, they say massage helps with the following:

• Hormone regulation: Studies done in the past 10 years show that pregnancy massage significantly alters hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. In women who received bi-weekly massage for five weeks, massage reduced “stress” hormones (such as norepinephrine and cortisol) and increased dopamine and serotonin levels (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression). These changes in hormone levels can lead to fewer complications during birth.
• Reduction of swelling: Edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often caused by the heavy uterus reducing circulation and increasing pressure on the major blood vessels. Massage helps stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints, which also improves the removal of tissue waste carried by the body’s lymph system.
• Improvement of nerve pain: In late pregnancy, many women experience sciatic nerve pain as the uterus rests on the muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back, spreading tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by releasing the tension on nearby muscles.

Pregnancy massage is safe for most pregnant women. However, as a precaution, you should tell your doctor about your intention to get a massage if you:

• Are considered a high-risk pregnancy,
• Have pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, blood clots, or hypertension,
• Have experienced pre-term contractions or consistent Braxton-Hicks contractions, or
• Have a history of miscarriage

These conditions don’t automatically exclude you from being able to have a pregnancy massage—massage can help maintain muscle tone, circulation, and decrease bed bound discomfort. But if you have any high risk conditions, it’s important that your physician be aware of any complimentary health treatments you’re receiving.

What Can You Expect?
Rick says the most important thing during massage is to feel relaxed and comfortable. So, on your first visit, you’ll complete a questionnaire and talk with the therapist about your pregnancy and your needs. If you’ve had massage before, then you know how great it feels. But pregnancy massage is a little different. For example, the positioning during the massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both you and your baby. Your therapist will also have to adapt their strokes to accommodate this side lying position.

Some massage therapists use special pregnancy cushions, but many prefer to use pillows to provide stability. The best position for a pregnant woman during massage is lying on the side—this provides the most stability for the baby and is comfortable for you. You’ll always be covered with a sheet and blanket for your modesty. Pregnancy massage can be performed with as much or as little clothing on as you are comfortable with. The therapist will adapt their technique to accommodate your needs.

How Often Should You Get a Massage?
How often you should get massage during your pregnancy is up to you. Many women get weekly massage during their last trimester, but it varies depending on the individual. However frequently you decide to get massage, it will help make your pregnancy even more special. So don’t wait…start feeling great today.