The Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy is a magical time for expecting moms as they prepare to welcome a new baby. It may also be a challenging time—physically and mentally. A woman’s body undergoes rapid changes as her baby grows and develops each week and the fear of labor and delivery can add anxiety and stress. Between hormone fluctuations, muscle and joint pain and other uncomfortable symptoms, pregnant women need relief—and many over-the-counter medications they might have turned to pre-pregnancy aren’t allowed while pregnant or nursing.
Prenatal massage therapy is one of the best ways to naturally relieve pain and anxiety as you navigate the changes in your mind and body, and help prepare you for what’s ahead. The American Pregnancy Association says that prenatal massage therapy can even improve labor outcomes. Our expert massage therapists are specifically trained in prenatal massage and are excited to help you feel all of the benefits from your prenatal massage appointment.
Reduced Pain & Pressure
As your baby bump grows, your body starts to experience stress and pressure as your organs shift, your muscles work overtime and your nerves experience pressure. As your pregnancy progresses further, your spine curves and your posture adjusts to your shifting center of gravity.
A prenatal massage can help stretch and loosen muscles to reduce tightness, while soothing nerve pain and pressure points that might have developed over the course of your pregnancy, especially in your back, arms, and legs.
Improved Circulation & Reduced Swelling
Especially after your fifth month of pregnancy, you might experience swelling ankles, feet, face and hands. This happens because the body produces approximately 50 percent more blood and body fluids to meet the needs of your baby.
Prenatal massage techniques use gentle pressure and long strokes to help promote circulation. As you progress in your pregnancy, you can get a prenatal massage as often as your regular prenatal checkups to help relieve any swelling and pain you might be experiencing. If you have any concerns about excessive swelling, be sure to check with your doctor before trying prenatal massage therapy.
Better Sleep
Ask any pregnant woman how she’s been sleeping, and you’ll almost always get the same response—not well, or hardly at all. The added pressure and pain from a baby bump can make it difficult to get comfortable, and the added anxieties of everything pregnancy and baby related are more than enough to keep you up at night.
Prenatal massage helps reduce the physical discomfort of being pregnant by improving circulation and relaxing muscles. With a stress relief massage, you’ll also get the added benefit of increased serotonin production.
Prepare Your Body for Labor & Delivery
As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, you’re probably thinking about what color to paint the nursery and how many diapers you’ll need to buy. You also need to think about getting your body ready for the physical act of bringing your baby into the world.
In an uncomplicated pregnancy, your doctor will likely recommend low-impact exercise, walking and pelvic floor strengthening activities to keep your muscles strong and ready for delivery. Massage therapy can help you lengthen and stretch muscles, especially muscle groups that will be behind contractions and pushing when the time comes!
In addition to muscular support, massage is known to help promote the healthy production of oxytocin, an important hormone through pregnancy and the postpartum period. Sometimes called “the cuddle hormone” or “the love hormone,” oxytocin is responsible for strengthening contractions during labor, reducing bleeding afterbirth, promoting a healthy emotional bond between mom and baby and a nurturing instinct in mothers. During pregnancy, your oxytocin levels will increase naturally, especially in your second and third trimester, and regular massage therapy can help promote healthy oxytocin levels throughout your pregnancy.
Starting Your Prenatal Massage Journey
Prenatal massage is an excellent way to help any expecting parent relax and prepare for the journey ahead—and after the baby arrives, it’s a great way to carve out time for some much-needed self care. Before you make your appointment, keep in mind that Massage Studio requires you to be at least 13 weeks pregnant in order to receive a massage.
We’ve heard from numerous guests about how our specially trained massage therapists have helped them through their pregnancies, and we would love to help you see the benefits of massage for yourself.
Book an appointment today to relax your mind, body, and spirit.