How fantastic it is to be a woman! It feels like a miracle to carry a baby for 37-42 weeks and then bring them into the world. While the baby is growing and changing, so is the woman’s body. Although we are built for this incredible experience, it can feel utterly exhausting at times.

Don’t get me wrong—this isn’t just about the challenges of pregnancy. There are so many incredible moments and changes that outweigh any discomfort a woman might experience. Still, it’s essential for women to care for themselves and the baby growing inside them. Taking help when offered, eating healthily and in moderation, staying active in a way that feels right, and setting aside time for relaxation or bonding are all vital. Sometimes, doing nothing and simply resting can benefit both the mother and the baby.

I’m a pretty active woman, often on the go. However, when I was pregnant with my daughter, I found myself going to bed earlier and taking guilt-free alone time whenever I needed it. During my pregnancy, I felt my healthiest because I was very mindful of what I put into my body and how I cared for myself. I promised myself to live the experience to the fullest because we never know if we’ll get the chance again. By the way, this advice applies to everyone—not just pregnant women!

A pregnancy massage is an incredibly positive experience for a woman during this time. Many women work up until the end of their pregnancy, leaving little time for relaxation. At The Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing, we’ve created a serene environment with soft sounds, cool temperatures, and supportive pillows for a one-hour getaway for mothers-to-be and their babies.

The benefits of pregnancy massage are numerous. It can provide much-needed touch with therapeutic benefits, improve breathing and circulation, relieve neck, back, and foot pain, and aid in postural balance. It also fosters relaxation, which can reduce the perception of pain and enhance body awareness, helping women tune into their needs. Many women even fall asleep during their massage—rest is always a plus! I’ve yet to meet a client who wasn’t delighted with their hour of attention and support during pregnancy. It truly is the way to go!