The Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy

The journey of pregnancy is a powerful experience that affects a woman’s whole life.  It is common for newly expectant mothers to feel overwhelmed with the various changes happening in their lives and bodies- hormonally, emotionally, in their posture and body shape.  While many of these changes are out of a woman’s control, making the choice to take additional nurturing care of her body during this precious time is an effective way for mom to care for herself and her unborn baby.  One of the most nurturing choices a mom-to-be can make is to invest in quality massage therapy sessions throughout her pregnancy. Both mom and baby benefit from therapeutic massage in many ways.

Massage Therapy eases the negative effects of stress on mom and baby.
When our brains perceive stress, our adrenal glands release cortisol, a natural hormone that, when elevated continuously, is quite damaging to the body.  Elevated blood pressure, impaired brain function, a suppressed thyroid and increased abdominal fat are just a few of the harmful effects of high cortisol levels.  Nurturing touch actually lowers levels of blood cortisol, while releasing the ‘feel good’ chemicals serotonin and dopamine, bringing both mom and baby to a balanced, relaxed state.  The healing touch received in a massage also releases oxytocin- the same neurotransmitter present in your breast milk- known to stimulate a relaxation response and improve your ability to manage stress.  Less stress generally translates into better sleep, improved memory and mental focus, the relief of digestive discomfort and a happier, more balanced mood.

Therapeutic Massage relieves the pain and discomfort often experienced during pregnancy.
A pregnant woman’s body experiences many structural, or postural changes.  Headaches, lower, middle and upper back pain, hip soreness, sciatic nerve irritation, and swelling of the legs and feet are common discomforts during pregnancy, which are often related to these postural changes.  Fortunately, the techniques used during a prenatal massage session can often alleviate and even prevent the progression of these symptoms. Massage encourages circulation of both blood and lymph fluid, improving the distribution of oxygen to muscles, encouraging more efficient detoxification and promoting better immune function.  While a massage therapist generally uses less pressure in a prenatal massage, specific techniques can alleviate trigger points and restricted connective tissue that often contribute to pain in the hips, back and neck of a pregnant woman’s changing body.  Often, the calming effects of massage are soothing to the entire nervous system, resulting in an overall decrease in pain felt in the body.  A qualified therapist can also offer mom-to-be several self-care tools including specific stretches, self-massage techniques and gentle exercises to support her body during this transition.

Massage Therapy gives mom an opportunity to focus on and be present with her baby in a safe, nurturing environment. Life is busy for most women and that doesn’t necessarily change when she becomes pregnant. In fact, many expectant moms find they have more on their plate between planning, celebrating and preparing for the arrival of their new little one.  As a busy mom-to-be, it is even more important to slow down and take time for oneself.  Massage therapy is a dedicated, nurturing time for mom to be still and present with her own body, while focusing on fostering a loving connection with her baby in utero.  Calming music, silenced cell phones and the soothing benefits of nurturing touch create an environment that is hard to come by in a fast-paced lifestyle.

Massage Therapy promotes love and self-acceptance for mom towards her growing and changing body. The journey of pregnancy can be challenging for women as they watch their bodies change in shape, size and appearance.  It can be difficult to feel beautiful in one’s body when bloating, nausea, heaviness and irritability are present.  Often, receiving nurturing, loving touch from a skilled therapist can shift those feelings, giving mom the sensation of rejuvenation and cleansing that allow her to focus on the miracle of the journey of pregnancy. Experiencing the non-judgemental support of a massage therapist can drastically alter a woman’s perception of her own changing body, often greatly impacting her pregnancy experience.

Be sure to find a licensed practitioner who is trained in prenatal massage therapy, as there are certain contraindications and precautions to be taken during a prenatal massage session.