Some comments from Tamara and her masseuse, who has training as a doula/midwife, on do's and don'ts of massage for pregnant women:
There are a couple key points to avoid: STAY AWAY FROM THE INNER ANKLE - this acupressure point is known as the san-yin-chiao or "triple yin junction" and can be labor inducing. Associated with this pressure point, AVOID THE INNER WEBBING BETWEEN THE THUMB AND FOREFINGER - it's a related, although not as intense, pressure point.
Other suggestions are: use a body pillow and lay the woman on her side. This supports the knee joint and foot area, which is important to avoid aggravation to the saccro-iliac, and gives her something to wrap her arms around. Also use a pillow or two for her head. Focus work on the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. No lying on the back or belly, and no deep work!
According to Ann Douglas at Pregnancy & Baby.com, "Not only does having a massage help to relieve backaches, leg cramps, headaches and other pregnancy-related aches and pains, it also soothes and relaxes the nervous system by releasing endorphins into your body." But conraindications, according to Melody Cook, a Registered Massage Therapist, include: Threatened miscarriage, Early labor, Placental dysfunctions, GEPH (Pre-eclampsia), Gestational diabetes and Eclampsia (Toxemia). Use caution and consult a Registered Massage Therapist.
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