What is pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage, also called pre-natal massage is a therapy specifically tailored for the expectant mother's needs. The mother's body must be properly positioned and supported during the massage, using pillows and padding. Proper positioning ensures comfort and safety for the mother and baby.
It is a popular complementary therapy during pregnancy for back pain when traditional choices for pain relief such as medication are often limited. Not only can massage be physically beneficial, but the human touch can be comforting and provide emotional support during pregnancy. Massage therapy has been found to reduce anxiety and depression.
It is a popular complementary therapy during pregnancy for back pain when traditional choices for pain relief such as medication are often limited. Not only can massage be physically beneficial, but the human touch can be comforting and provide emotional support during pregnancy. Massage therapy has been found to reduce anxiety and depression.
What are the benefits?
- Reduces stress
- Reduces swelling of the arms and legs
- Alleviates pain and stiffness in muscles and joints
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Reduces the risks of postpartum depression
Complementary and alternative therapies have become increasingly popular for pregnant women and women in labor. The below extract details studies by the American National Institute of Health into the benefits of pregnancy massage, some key highlights are:
- Massage therapy is the most common alternative therapy recommended during pregnancy
- Massage therapy has been demonstrated to be effective during pregnancy
- The women reported decreased depression, anxiety, and leg and back pain
- Depressed pregnant women given the pregnancy massage experienced fewer prenatal complications
- In our study on labor pain, the women receiving massage therapy experienced significantly less pain, and their labors were on average 3hrs shorter with less need for medication
- The most important finding was the lower incidence of prematurity and low birth weight in the massaged women
- Postpartum depression and cortisol levels were decreased in the massaged women
- The newborns of the massaged mothers also had lower cortisol levels than the newborns of the control mothers, and performed better on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment habituation, orientation and motor scales