Studies indicate that prenatal massage can be a very instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal care.

Each pregnancy is unique, and taking care of yourself becomes a focus during this special time in your life. But if you are working and/or have other children, it’s not always easy to fit everything into your schedule. Stress is associated with many detrimental effects on pregnancy. Receiving pregnancy massages can help you reduce stress and anxiety by stimulating endocrine changes that promote rest and relaxation and support a healthy state.

Pregnancy massage focuses on the unique anatomical, physiological and emotional changes for pregnant women. The goal is to stimulate a parasympathetic response of the mother’s autonomic nervous system – rest and relaxation – and to reduce the myofascial tension that may contribute to common discomforts and pain syndromes of pregnancy.

The massage therapist uses techniques and positions that are safe for each trimester of the pregnancy. The pace is generally slower than a regular massage.

Potential Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

• Reduces anxiety and stress by stimulating endocrine changes that promote rest and relaxation

• Increases blood circulation for the mother, the placenta, and the baby and facilitated lymphatic circulation that decreases swelling especially in the extremities

• Reduces musculoskeletal tension and pain associated with hormonal changes, weight pain, postural changes and daily activities

• Promotes better sleep and improves mood

• Develops the sensory and movement awareness, flexibility, and relaxation that is beneficial for the labor and birth

• Reduces the risk of pregnancy complications

• Contributes to nurturing maternal behavior and stronger mother/infant bonding

 (Sources: Osborne-Sheets 1998, Field 1999)

-- Marie Dahlén Keane, BS, LMT