"Research shows that massage can reduce stress hormones in your body and relax and loosen your muscles. It can also increase blood flow, which is so important when you’re pregnant, and keeps your lymphatic system working at peak efficiency, flushing out toxins from your body. And it reconnects your mind with your body, a connection that’s comforting if you sometimes wonder if there’s a baby in there or if an alien has taken up residency inside you. During pregnancy, regular prenatal massages may not only help you relax, but may also relieve insomnia, joint pain, neck and back pain, leg cramping and sciatica. Additionally, it can reduce swelling in your hands and feet (as long as the swelling isn’t a result of preeclampsia), can relieve carpal tunnel pain, and alleviate headaches and sinus congestion-all common pregnancy problems. Massage may also lift depression without the use of medication, according to some scientific studies." -Dana Durant
