Jojoba Massage Oil

One way is through self-massage. Use a professional quality, unscented massage oil, such as jojoba oil, to gently massage your belly for at least 5 minutes. Do this once or twice a day throughout the pregnancy to relieve stress, nourish the skin, and help prevent stretch marks, among other benefits.

Another way to benefit from massage at home is to ask your spouse or partner for a foot or neck massage. Let him know what feels good and what doesn’t. Communication is the key to a comfortable, safe, and beneficial massage at home.

Pregnancy massage is a specialized form of massage therapy designed to complement prenatal and postnatal care for pregnant women.

• The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage, which includes prenatal and postnatal massage, is designed to relieve stress and soothe the aches and pains of expectant and new mothers.

Massage therapists who are certified in prenatal or postnatal massage therapy modify their massage techniques to improve the mother’s comfort during and after pregnancy. Prenatal and postnatal massage helps reduce stress, diminish swelling, soothe physical discomfort, and alleviate depression and anxiety.

• What to Expect During Pregnancy Massage

Your prenatal massage therapist may ask you to lie on your side on the massage table, with one or two wedge or bolster pillows for support and comfort. Some massage tables include breast and belly cutouts for pregnant clients, but the safety of these pregnancy massage tables is hotly debated in the medical world.

As a result, your massage therapist may choose to position you on your side or in a reclining position rather than face down. A massage table with an adjustable backrest can increase the comfort and safety of pregnancy massage in the reclining position.

• Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider and Massage Therapist

If you are considering pregnancy massage, discuss this with your prenatal care provider. If your obstetrician or midwife approves you for pregnancy massage, look for a professionally certified massage therapist with training in pregnancy massage.

Before your first pregnancy massage, let your massage therapist know of any discomfort you may be feeling or any areas that you prefer not to be massaged.

Many pregnancy massage therapists require a signed approval form from your healthcare provider before they will provide pregnancy massage. Some complications during pregnancy may rule out the safety of massage. Certain massage facilities may also refuse pregnancy massage during the first trimester.