Pregnant women undergo dramatic physical, mental and emotional changes to prepare birth.

Pregnant women often develop some discomforts, such as low back pain, hip and pelvic discomforts due to stretching, and a variety of other issues from insomnia, balance issues and an expanding midsection that makes bending down difficult.

Several medical studies indicate that having pregnancy related therapeutic massages before, during and after childbirth often helps with body aches, circulation, digestion, sleep, balance and overall physical strength.

Common Pregnancy Complaints That May Be Helped with Prenatal Massage

Pregnant women will experience dramatic changes within her body as the pregnancy progresses. Some women do not experience any great discomforts in the early stages, but others do.

Common pregnancy complaints include:

Back related pain – usually lower
Pelvic discomforts
Weak pelvic floor
Swelling of lower legs, feet and sometimes hands
Hormonal changes that may cause depression, anxiety, irritability and other mood swings
Leg or sciatica pain shooting down legs
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting often termed morning sickness
Varicose veins
Joint pain or stiffness
Muscle tension
Headaches often stress related
Balance problems later in pregnancy

How Prenatal Massage Can Reduce Discomforts & Aid in Birth Preparation

Pregnancy can put increased pressure and strain on the abdominal wall, core muscles, hip region, lower back and leg areas along with trauma to the vulnerable pelvic region including those structures inside the birth canal itself.

This pelvic and abdominal region must stretch to provide room for the baby to grow and then pass down through the birth canal when labor begins. Prenatal massage during these crucial preparation months of pregnancy can help to ease this transition and support those core structures. Massage might also help prevent additional traumas and aid in strengthening these muscles and increasing flexibility to relieve joint pain and stiffness.

Massage is also helpful in increasing the mother’s control over contracting and relaxing core muscles along with proper deep breathing exercises in preparation for labor and birth.

Therapeutic Massage During and After Pregnancy Helps Decrease Stress Levels

Prolonged stress levels are bad for the body in general, and this is due to the release of the “stress hormone” termed cortisol. It should be noted that stress can be good stress too and still have the same negative impact on the mind and body.

Pregnant women are more prone to depression when stress levels are chronic. Therapeutic massage may help to decrease cortisol levels and decrease negative emotions like anxiety, depression and pent-up anger or frustration.

This is so important because stress that is ongoing has been linked to many health complications such as diabetes 2, increased autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems and heart issues among many others.

Prenatal and Postpartum Massage May Help Correct Hormonal Imbalances

Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that can sometimes get out of balance. Both prenatal and postpartum massage therapy may help to correct these hormonal imbalances in a natural method that is safe for baby and mother.

Massage Promotes Better Sleep During Pregnancy & After Childbirth

Therapeutic massage is relaxing and decreases overall stress while helping to control hormonal imbalances. Massage also promotes better overall sleep patterns both during pregnancy and after the little one has arrived.

Why Prenatal Massage Often Helps Improve Circulation & Decreases Edema

Certain types of prenatal massage techniques often help to improve overall body circulation and decrease swollen calves, ankles and feet often caused by hormonal changes and too much salt in the diet.

Massage may also help the lymphatic system drain away waste products that can cause swelling if the excess fluid accumulation remains stuck in the peripheral limbs.

Some Studies Suggest That Prenatal Massage May Decrease Childbirth Problems

Clinical trials have suggested that mothers who undergo regular prenatal massage may also decrease childbirth problems and complications. Massage may also improve neonatal outcomes and lower newborn health problems like low birth weight and premature births.