Okay girlfriends, I am sitting here trying to develop some catchy opening sentence for this post. This should not be a difficult task because I am pregnant and at 29 weeks gestation feel that I have spent enough time in the prego-club that what I have to say has some value. But I don’t want this to be just another pregnancy article that you find on the internet that tells you how important it is to take care of yourself or to pamper yourself before the baby arrives. There are plenty of them, as well as the advice of any well-meaning woman that you come across on the street. You know what I mean – how many times in on day have you been asked “how are you feeling?” or “are you getting enough sleep?” (The truth: I’m as big as a whale …you try finding a comfortable sleeping position at this size) Everyone is well intended and it does feel good to know that people really do care (and I love attention, so this pregnancy thing is for me), but I just don’t want to write another article on how important all of that stuff is during these 9 (make it 10) months.

So, now that I have spent a paragraph telling you what I don’t want this post to be about, let me now share what I really want to say. As important as prenatal vitamins are to the well-being of your developing baby, so prenatal massage and yoga are for your body and peace of mind. I think if we all ban together, we might get health insurance companies to cover the cost of massage and yoga under vital pregnancy care for all women! What do you say – are you with me on this? Okay, maybe not, but if you are able to incorporate them into your monthly prenatal routine, you'll be glad you did. I had my first pregnancy massage last month and I have to say it was 5 months overdue. From sleeping on my sides, my hips were killing me and the edema was starting to set in my feet and hands. The massage was not only relaxing but really enhanced my circulation, as well as aligning my posture. It is also very comfortable because they use special pregnancy pillows to allow your body to settle in a natural position on the table. Also, I am not typically one who does yoga, but the prenatal yoga class that I participated in last month was out of this world. In my opinion, yoga when you’re pregnant is about total release and opening the body in ways that stretching alone doesn’t accomplish. Plus, the benefits of understanding and learning about your breath cross over into the process of labor and delivery. Who doesn’t want as much help as they can get when that time arrives?

The other members of the mom-to-be club may say you are just showing off, but if you can get to Canyon Ranch during your pregnancy, I will stand up and applaud you! The prenatal massages and yoga would just be the tip of the iceberg of your pregnant Canyon Ranch experience. Throw in the opportunity to take care of your skin, your nutritional needs, as well as the beautiful morning walks and you are on your way to pregnancy bliss! Honestly, when I was working at Canyon Ranch as a Program Advisor, my pregnant guests’ schedules were just as fun and packed with possibility as my non-pregnant guests. You may also consider this – baby is getting a fun, healthy vacation too. When Mom is happy and taken care of, so is the little one along for the ride.