1. Stress reduction - In addition to the normal stress in everyday life, a pregnant woman can have stress related to the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes happening in her body. Massage can help reduce stress, which in turn, contributes to a healthier pregnancy.

2. Relief of muscle pain - Pregnant women often suffer from muscle pain especially in the back, legs, feet, and shoulders due to the postural strain of the additional weight gained in pregnancy. Massage can relieve this pain and muscle cramping as well as help to correct the postural imbalances.

3. Reduction of edema - Swelling occurs often in pregnancy and can sometimes cause severe discomfort especially while walking. Massage helps reduce edema by pushing the fluids out of the limbs back into the blood and lymph circulation.

4. Emotional support - Although massage therapists are not trained psychiatrists or counselors, a nurturing massage professional can help a pregnant woman feel supported during this life-changing event.

How Does a Pregnancy Massage Differ From a Non-pregnancy Massage?

1. Therapist training - Many massage therapists who regularly do pregnancy massage have advance training specifically in performing prenatal and postpartum massage.

2. Massage strokes - Some massage strokes should not be used in the different trimesters of pregnancy. For example, jostling strokes are not typically used in the first trimester due to the nausea that many women experience in the early stage of pregnancy.

3. Table positioning - How the woman is positioned on the massage table changes for each trimester. In the first trimester, the prone (face-down), supine (face-up), or side-lying positions are used. During the second trimester, the prone position is no longer used in favor of the side-lying position or supine position with a wedge under the right hip. In the final trimester, the side-lying or semi-reclining positions are the only appropriate positions for massage.

4. Additional contraindications - Due to certain conditions only experienced in pregnancy, there can be additional contraindications to receiving massage. Some of these include gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced hypertension. However, even with these conditions, massage can often be given with the women?s physician or other health care giver?s consent. Any high risk factors or medical problems should be discussed with the massage therapist before the session to ensure that massage is indicated.

Helpful Hints For Enjoying Your Pregnancy Massage

1. It is important that you feel comfortable and adequately supported by bolsters and pillows during your massage. Please let your massage therapist know if you are uncomfortable at any time during your session.

2. Pregnant women experience an increased need to urinate throughout their pregnancy. Make sure to use the restroom before your session and don?t hesitate to let your massage therapist know if you need to leave during the massage.

3. Some women are sensitive to certain scents or to their general sense of smell during their pregnancy. Aromatherapy is offered in many pregnancy massages and at Spa Velia, we have a variety of essential oils from which to choose, however, feel free to decline this feature if you are experiencing nausea or sensitivity at the time of your massage.

4. Pregnancy massages don?t have to be alone! You and your baby can experience a pregnancy massage in our couples? suite with another person who is receiving a pregnancy or non-pregnancy massage. So bring in your partners, friends, family members, or other pregnant moms and relax together in luxury!