Is it safe to have a massage during pregnancy?


If you decide to go for a massage, ensure the masseur has experience in massaging pregnant women. Deep massage on the legs is a definite no-no during time. Pregnant women are prone to varicose veins and vigorous leg massage can cause a blood clot in the leg to become dislodged causing disability or even death. A less vigorous massage has plenty to offer: it can ease complaints such as leg cramps, headaches, fluid retention or swollen ankles. Your position has to be different. During the early weeks you want to avoid positions that put a lot of weight on your breasts, which tend to be tender during this stage. As you grow heavier you will need to work around your belly. After the fifth month you want to avoid lying flat on your back because this position can lead to dizziness and fainting. While the side-lying position seems to work the best, there are other positions you and your therapist may want to experiment with. Hint: special massage pillows may help here.
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