Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Massage Studies have shown that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can decrease symptoms of depression, reduce anxiety, improve labor outcomes and newborn health and relieve muscle aches and joint pains. Massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques, one of which is called Swedish Massage.

Swedish Massage aims to improve lymphatic and blood circulation and relax muscle tension through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. Swedish Massage is the recommended massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts.

Reduction of swelling Edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often caused by increased pressure and reduced circulation on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints. This also improves the removal of tissue waste carried by the body’s lymph system.

Hormone Regulation Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to women’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) were reduced, and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression). These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence strongly suggests there are maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.

Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many women have experienced a significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through massage.

Other potential benefits of prenatal massage:

  • Reduced back pain
  • Reduced joint pain
  • Improved circulation
  • Reduced muscle tension and headaches
  • Reduced edema
  • Reduced stress and anxiety  Better sleep
  • Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles

What are precautions For Pregnancy Massage? As with any therapeutic approach to pregnancy wellness, women should discuss massage with their prenatal care provider. The best way to address the risks of prenatal massage is to be informed and to work together with knowledgeable professionals.

SOURCES
  1. Field, T. (1999). Pregnant Women Benefit From Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mar;20(1):31-8.
  2. Field, T. (2004). Massage Therapy Effects on Depressed Pregnant Women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jun;25(2):115-22.
  3. Howell ,Julie, NMT, PMT, Prenatal Health Through Massage Therapy: For Women and Their Babies.

This article has been written by Urska Sorli, Massage Therapist at Largs Bay Health & Yoga.

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