Heather L.M.T

It's important to check with your doctor for a list of contraindications that may apply to you and get a letter stating it is OK to receive massage.

Common contraindications involve conditions of higher-risk pregnancies such as elevated blood pressure, heart disease, kidney and bladder disease, previous miscarriage, cancer, lupus, diabetes, mothers younger than 18 or older than 35, those with convulsive disorders or who are at risk for fetal genetic disorders.

Prenatal massage should also be avoided during morning sickness, if the woman has a fever or is experiencing vaginal bleeding, if there is excessive swelling in the arms or legs, if it causes pain or where there are bruises or varicose veins.

In most cases during the first trimester of a pregnancy, a mother should avoid massage therapy, as an increase in circulation can intensify morning sickness. If massage is performed during the first trimester, rocking movements should be avoided, as they may increase nausea, and abdominal massage should not be performed.

After 24 weeks, pregnant women should not spend more than four minutes lying on their backs, so massage needs to be in a semi-reclining position propped up at a 45-degree angle. During the third trimester, pain can occur in the pubic bone due to a separation of the pubic symphysis, and techniques that stress or pull on this joint should be avoided.

Properly supported side-lying positioning is the safest way to offer prenatal massage. Some therapists offer orthopedic cushions that have cutouts for the abdomen and breasts and transfer the woman's weight to her hip bones and collar bones to allow her to lie face down.

Massage given with the mother lying prone must exercise great care not to stretch already-stressed lower-back and uterine ligaments or place pressure on the abdomen that might increase intrauterine pressure, a serious threat to pregnancies with abnormal placental attachment or function, uterine incompetence or decreased uterine blood supply.

Also, deep work should be totally avoided on the abdomen and limited to areas that are chronically affected by the pregnancy, in order to avoid releasing too many toxins into the woman's system at one time. This is especially important if the pregnant woman is or was a substance abuser or if she is likely to have more stored toxins because of her lifestyle, stress level or other considerations.

Toxins are trapped in tissues mostly because tense muscles constrict blood flow. Like massage, exercise is a terrific way to increase blood flow and flush toxins from tissues. Massage increases the flushing of toxins in the same way and in about the same amounts as exercise does – and exercise is highly recommended during the entire pregnancy.

Deep pressure applied to pressure points on sides of ankles and in webbing between thumb and index fingers should always be avoided, as it can induce labor in some women. Most reflexology work should also be avoided during pregnancy, especially that applied to endocrine-gland points, so that the normal hormonal processes of pregnancy are not disturbed.

1. Relieves muscle spasms, cramps associated with the stress of extra weight bearing and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.
2. Reduces stress and teaches the mother to  relax.  Relaxation is one of the keys to labor and delivery.
3. Gestation processed enhanced through increasing blood circulation, lymph circulation, reducing edema, increasing cellular respiration.
4. Provides emotional support and physical nurturing; this may be passed on to the baby
5. Assists in reducing the stress in the weight bearing joints and musculoskeletal structures.
6. Helps maximize breathing capacity which is needed during labor and delivery.