Prenatal massage is naturally pleasant.

It is a gentle, relaxing massage, in no way therapeutic.

Benefits :

•     releases muscular tension
•     calms the nervous system
•     reduces stress hormones in the body
•     reduces fear of childbirth
•     helps the lymphatic system detoxify the body (prevents oedema)
•     improves blood circulation
•     relaxes joints

Due to the dramatic physical and hormonal changes that occur in pregnant women, massage is not recommended during the first trimester. This is the period when the fetus is stabilizing, and it's time for the mother to get used to and enjoy being pregnant.

The second and third trimesters are wonderful times to start prenatal massage.

The following are cases in which massage should not be practised:

•     heavy loss (water or blood)
•     diabetes
•     contagious illness
•     fever
•     vomiting
•     unusual pain
•     pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure, proteinuria, weight gain, edema)
•     hypertension
•     morning sickness
•     abdominal pain
•     diarrhea
•     any medical condition