Most people think that pregnant women should not undergo massage therapy. Well, that happens to be a fallacy. There is such a thing a pregnancy massage therapy, especially designed for pregnant women.

Although pregnancy is truly a cause for much celebration and is a happy occasion that brings a deep fulfillment, it is also a difficult time for the pregnant woman. Pregnancy changes a woman's body very drastically and the changes bring much physical, emotional and mental discomfort. Unfortunately, a pregnant woman is not allowed to take the usual medications to relieve any of these discomforts since many medications are bad for the baby. The pregnant woman, therefore, is in desperate need of alternative methods of relieving her aches and pains, as well as her anxieties.

During pregnancy, the weight of a woman's abdomen shifts her center of gravity. Her posture is naturally altered, with her pelvis pulled forward. At the same time, the ligaments in the pelvic area begin to soften in preparation for expansion and childbirth. This makes the pelvic joints quite unstable. As the belly grows, therefore, there is more and more stress placed on the lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck.

Medical specialists credit pregnancy massage therapy for decreasing muscle and joint pain, easing sciatic nerve pain, and reducing edema or swelling caused by fluid retention. These are conditions common to pregnant women. Pregnancy massage therapy improves blood circulation, bringing more oxygen to tissues and flushing away toxins. It restores normal sleep patterns, regulates hormone levels, lowers anxiety and eases depression. All in all, pregnancy massage therapy prepares the woman and makes her physical condition more conducive to normal labor, decreasing the risks of labor complications and ensuring the well being of the baby.

Of course, any pregnant woman should always consult her obstetrician first before submitting to pregnancy massage therapy since it is considered a part of her total prenatal care for which her doctor is mainly in charge. The obstetrician needs to give clearance and approval because certain conditions are contraindicated for massage. The contraindications include a very recent prior childbirth, hypertension, severe edema, severe headaches and having a history of preeclampsia.

Make sure you go to specially trained and qualified massage therapists for pregnancy massage therapy because they would know what to avoid in treating pregnant women. Certain pressure points in the ankles and wrists of pregnant women, for example, can stimulate pelvic contractions. Some massage facilities may not have these specially trained massage therapists and they, therefore, refuse to treat women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy where the risk of miscarriage is higher.

Pregnant women should also check out the tables to be used in the massage spa. Never lie down on your abdomen and never use tables where the belly is made to hang down through a hole in the table. This will strain the ligaments and muscles of the abdomen. Neither should a pregnant woman lie flat on her back. She should instead lie on her side during the massage, supported by body pillows.