The book Ayurvedic Massage by Johari has a great chapter on pregnancy massage, it is worth getting.

Pregnancy massage strokes and applications are divided up into trimesters, each with a specific focus.

For example, work on the inner leg and muscles that attach to the pelvis is highly indicated in the first trimester, and could be dangerous to do in the third trimester. With a general oil application you cant go wrong at any time, and general foot massage is always beneficial.

An important Ayurvedic perspective on choice of massage oils is that the scent absolutely must be pleasing to the woman at this time. There are many great massage blends but you should be cautious of mixing your own blends and buy small quantities at first. Choose a tri-doshic oil unless directed otherwise. Some of the belly balms and the like may be more pleasing and have beneficial and safe herbal infusions.

The area of the sacrum and low back is an important area to focus on throughout the pregnancy and the side-lying position must be used after the first trimester.

Almost better than massage is dry skin brushing, garshan in ayurveda. Its great for lymphatic flow and some prego woman are so itchy and have dry skin that this is a great prelude to a massage. You can buy a garshan wool glove or use a dry brush with strokes toward the heart.

The bonding time of massage is great for getting in touch with your new baby, kicks will increase often and you can interact with the little one long before any diaper changes. Don't ignore the services of a professional, a scalene release at 36 weeks can be a life saver and only someone who has training in pregnancy massage can pull that off.

Good luck and keep us posted!

The book Ayurvedic Massage by Johari has a great chapter on pregnancy massage, it is worth getting.

Pregnancy massage strokes and applications are divided up into trimesters, each with a specific focus.

For example, work on the inner leg and muscles that attach to the pelvis is highly indicated in the first trimester, and could be dangerous to do in the third trimester. With a general oil application you cant go wrong at any time, and general foot massage is always beneficial.

An important Ayurvedic perspective on choice of massage oils is that the scent absolutely must be pleasing to the woman at this time. There are many great massage blends but you should be cautious of mixing your own blends and buy small quantities at first. Choose a tri-doshic oil unless directed otherwise. Some of the belly balms and the like may be more pleasing and have beneficial and safe herbal infusions.

The area of the sacrum and low back is an important area to focus on throughout the pregnancy and the side-lying position must be used after the first trimester.

Almost better than massage is dry skin brushing, garshan in ayurveda. Its great for lymphatic flow and some prego woman are so itchy and have dry skin that this is a great prelude to a massage. You can buy a garshan wool glove or use a dry brush with strokes toward the heart.

The bonding time of massage is great for getting in touch with your new baby, kicks will increase often and you can interact with the little one long before any diaper changes. Don't ignore the services of a professional, a scalene release at 36 weeks can be a life saver and only someone who has training in pregnancy massage can pull that off.

Good luck and keep us posted!