So you're growing a tiny human? Congrats! I'm sure you're exhausted. A prenatal massage is a great way to reduce the stress your body is going through right now. A massage can relieve many of the symptoms of discomfort you're experiencing right now, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling). In addition, massage for pregnant women reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension, which aids in better sleep, and you need all the sleep you can get right now! 

DURING PRENATAL MASSAGE

Rather than laying on your belly, you'd be laying on your side. It's called sideline positioning. With sidelining positioning, your body is laying on its side supported with a body pillow. This alleviates the extra strain on your lower back and pelvic areas when the pressure of massage techniques are applied. Extra strain in these areas can cause unnecessary back or abdominal pain, so naturally, I want to avoid any potential discomfort. Through the second trimester, you may prefer to lie on your back with a small, cushioned wedge placed under one hip to provide a slight elevation. 

PRECAUTIONS: 

If you're considered high risk, you must have a note from a doctor stating it is OK for you to get a massage. 

If you have a history of miscarriage, you must wait until the second trimester.

Aftercare: 

Plenty of rest and fluids :)