Pregnancy, though a beautiful thing, can bring much in the way of aches and pains. In most cases, there is nothing more delightful to a pregnant woman than a good massage. New York City is filled with excellent massage therapists who specialize in pre-natal and postpartum massage techniques. If you’re experiencing some of the common discomforts that come with being pregnant, perhaps a massage is just what you need.

A typical maternity massage differs from a regular massage in that a special table or a “prego pillow” is used to support the contours of a pregnant woman’s body. Furthermore, the therapist needs to be certified in pregnancy massage to ensure they are skilled in safe massage practices for both mother and baby. It is important that the therapist has knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of pregnant women. The therapist will know about correct positioning, as well as what areas should and shouldn’t be massaged, in order to make the process as safe and as comfortable as possible.

 When it comes to any type of massage therapy, New York City is one of the best places to find world class bodyworkers–and pre-natal therapists are no exception. Once a pregnant woman has found a certified pre-natal massage therapist that both she and her doctor are comfortable with, she will be privy to a number of wonderful benefits. Probably the most sought-after result is stress relief and tranquil relaxation for the mother-to-be. Furthermore, she will experience relief from muscle cramps, weight-induced pressure on joints, spasms, and pain in the lower back, neck, hips and legs. Massage can also reduce swelling caused by water retention, as well as increase blood and lymph circulation. Maternity massage can also improve skin and tissue pliability, reducing the prevalence of stretch marks after childbirth.

Massage therapy is a great outlet through which pregnant women can find support with the emotional and physical strains of becoming a mother. Many women have said that pre-natal massages helped to enhance the outcome of labor and reduce the amount of pain experienced during labor. Many therapists will recommend that the pregnant woman bring their partner or doula with them to their sessions. They can be taught techniques that can actually be useful during labor, but are best learned during the pregnancy. Such techniques generally include measures to make sure the woman is comfortable, and in many cases, have proven to really ease the delivery process.

If you are a pregnant woman, or the partner of a pregnant woman who you feel could benefit from prenatal massage therapy, NYC has all manner of bodyworkers who are fluent in techniques and practices geared toward mothers-to-be.

By: David Tang

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Written by Kacy Suther. In Touch Bodywork offers massage therapy. New York City residents can get sports massage, therapeutic massage and lymphatic drainage massage therapy. NYC massage info at www.intouchbodyworknyc.com .