CenterPoint is highly recommended by leading Ob/Gyn practices in Atlanta.  As a Pregnancy Massage specialist for 14 years, Sharon has helped close to one thousand women experience more comfortable and healthy pregnancies.  She believes another outcome has been the birth of as many happy babies.  Consider what takes place within your body as your pregnancy develops and you can see why massage is so beneficial to you and the life within.  As baby grows countless changes occur:  your lung capacity lessens, you experience pressure on your digestive system, your posture changes, muscles are strained in response to and to compensate for weight gain and constant changes in center of gravity, the volume of blood and lymphatic fluids increase dramatically, and hormones which allow the pelvis to relax during the birth process are loosening all the joints just when they are trying to support the abdomen and extra body weight.

These physical changes can lead to discomforts in the back, hips, neck and shoulders often contributing to bouts of heartburn, reflux, constipation and swelling in the extremities.  Emotional challenges develop as well due not only to physical changes, but also to hormonal shifts, self-image adjustments, increase in feelings of responsibility and life style/relationship issues as well.

The good news is that regular massage is very beneficial in relieving many of these complaints experienced by expectant moms.  By specifically addressing the muscle groups and joints that are impacted by changes that occur during each trimester, we can significantly increase your comfort level, allowing you to function and even sleep more effectively.  Not to be overlooked is the emotionally supportive and nurturing aspect of maternity massage.  The result is a happier mom-to-be which in turn positively impacts the health and well-being of the developing child within.
 

Most women seek Prenatal Massage in the last few months of pregnancy when the level of discomfort frequently peaks, yet the most significant benefits of massage are gained from more regular sessions throughout the entire course of the pregnancy.  Women who receive regular massage have measurably reduced levels of stress hormones and report less mood swings and physical discomforts.  Regular massage can also prevent small issues of discomfort from becoming more serious pain patterns which can adversely affect a pregnant woman’s ability to move about freely, without pain.
 

Our Pregnancy massage is completely customized to meet your needs.  Most pregnant women appreciate the soothing relaxation aspect of massage, while others need really specific therapeutic work to address particular discomforts.  We find that most women need a little of both.  Your concerns, comfort level and safety are uppermost in our mind.  There are several reasons that Pregnancy Massage is unique apart from the fact that there are 2 people on the table rather than just one:
 

Positioning:  After the 1^st trimester, we position the expectant mother in a side lying position completely supported by soft fleece padding and multiple pillows and wedges all of which are moveable to exactly create the greatest levels of comfort during the session.

Customized/Educated/Experienced Focus:  As each pregnancy progresses, the areas of discomfort can change. Our goal is to listen to you and pay particular attention to addressing and meeting your individual needs whatever and wherever they may be. We also know what issues may appear and when.  For example, in the third trimester, we pay more attention to your legs, using massage to move excess fluid out of the extremities while making sure to check the low back for spasm and sensitive trigger points. We are aware and keenly sensitive to the fact that there are areas that are unsafe to massage, especially those on the feet due to their potential to stimulate uterine activity.  We do not touch the abdominal area at all during the 1^st trimester and may do so lightly after that time with mother’s permission.