Just say spahhh: Spa do's and don'ts for pregnant women

Mother Massage

Don't expect your massage to remain business as usual once the pregnancy test comes back positive. Some minor modifications to your massage routine may be necessary for both comfort and safety reasons. Here's what to expect:

• A more pregnancy-friendly massage position. Early on in pregnancy, you'll want to avoid putting a lot of weight on those oh-so-tender breasts. Then, as your pregnancy progresses, you'll need to work around your growing belly. After the fifth month -- you'll need to avoid lying flat on your back because that position can lead to extreme dizziness, even fainting. While the side-lying position is a perennial favorite with moms-to-be, it's not the only position that works. Simply toss a few wedge-shaped pillows on the massage table and see where your body takes you!

• Less vigorous massage strokes. Deep massage work -- particularly on the legs -- is a definite no-no for pregnant women. Pregnant women are highly prone to varicose veins and a vigorous leg massage could cause a blood clot in the leg to become dislodged, potentially leading to death or disability. Fortunately, massage doesn't have to be vigorous to be effective: your massage therapist's less vigorous massage strokes will still help you to do battle with leg cramps, headaches, fluid retention, swollen ankles, and other pregnancy-related aches and pains.