Pregnancy is one of the most beneficial times to receive massage therapy. Accommodating the various stages of pregnancy is achieved by side-line positioning and pillows. However, during the first trimester, massage therapy is contraindicated and should be put off until a doctor recommended time-period. Otherwise, massage therapy can greatly decrease back and leg pain due to additional weight bearing at this time. Massage can decrease swelling of the joints by reducing the collection of fluids, improving removal of tissue wastes, carried by the lymph system. It can also decrease the level of stress hormone, norepinephrine, while increasing the ‘feel good’ hormones, serotonin and dopamine.