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Although it has been said for many years that one should not get a massage during the first trimester, this has been proven to be a myth. Unfortunately, not all Massage Therapists are aware of that. According to American Pregnancy Association, "...massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health." They allso state that "Women with the following conditions should speak with a health care provider prior to receiving a massage: High risk pregnancy Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) Preeclampsia Previous pre-term labor Experiencing severe swelling, high blood pressure, or sudden, severe headaches Recent birth " This is good advice and really the only ones you need to be worried about. Should my Therapist be Certified?Almost all massage schools now teach enough anatomy that your therapists should be familiar with what is going on inside of you. For most massages, having someone certified in preganancy massage is not neccessary. However, those that have been certified in preganancy massage will be better equiped to provide you with a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. Dr.Tiffany Field, of the Touch Research Institute, felt that massage was so safe that she used it in her landmark research on the effects of massage on pre-term infants. If she felt that there was no harm, and none was shown, that can be caused by massage on the most fragile members of our society, then it is doubtful that it will have a harmful effect on you. And to show how harmless it is, she used untrained volunteer "Grandparents" who only recieved instructions on how to do the massage. You're average Massage Therapist has had over 600 hundred hours of training in massage and anatomy! While many MTs will tell you that you shouldn't get a massage from an unqualified practitioner, you should remember that this is only marketing hype. Check out some of their websites. One moment thay are telling you not to get one from uncertified therapist, citing some unrealistic, and unspecified danger and in the next they are telling you that your spouse can learn Pregnancy Massage from a book or video, which of course they sell. Benefits of Pregnancy MassageNo more HEADACHES! Get rid of your stress. No more muscle cramps and spasms, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs. Stop ugly swelling of your legs. Gets a load off your joints and gives you more energy. Have an easier delivery with LESS pain. Helps to get rid of those ugly stretch marks. Makes you feel wanted and supported during the most stressful time of your life. Compiled using information from the following sources: Field, T. (1999). Pregnant Women Benefit From Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mar;20(1):31-8. Field, T. (2004). Massage Therapy Effects on Depressed Pregnant Women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jun;25(2):115-22. Heimlich, Patti, RMT, CD, ICCE, The Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy, Labor & Postpartum. www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/houston/massage/htm. Article accessed online 10/18/2007. Howell ,Julie, NMT, PMT, Prenatal Health Through Massage Therapy: For Women and Their Babies. www.newlifejournal.com/decjan03/howell/01/03/full.shtml. Article accessed online 10/18/2007.
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