Absolutely Spahhhvelous

Over the past 10 years, studies have shown prenatal massage is a powerful tool for a healthy pregnancy. It reduces anxiety, depression, muscle and joint aches and pains, and improves labor outcomes and the health of the newborn.

Prenatal massage techniques are a milder pressure or Swedish massage technique. Swedish massage is the recommended prenatal massage method for pregnant women because it effectively relieves the common discomforts of pregnancy that can be brought on by a woman’s hormone shifts during pregnancy.

Studies have shown when regular prenatal massage is a part of a woman’s prenatal care, relaxation and stress hormones are significantly affected leading to improved mood and cardiovascular health. Women who received bi-weekly massage during pregnancy showed a profound reduction in cortisol and norepinephrine, or stress hormones, while the hormones dopamine and serotonin were significantly increased, helping stave off depression. Changes in these hormone levels also resulted in fewer complications during the birthing process and fewer newborn complications like low birth weight. This is strong evidence of the health benefits to mom and baby of regular massage as a part of prenatal care.

As the baby grows during pregnancy, the mother experiences reduced circulation and swelling due to the increased pressure on major blood vessels by the enlarging uterus. Massage helps relieve joint swelling by stimulating the soft tissues, thus addressing the fluid collection and swollen joints. It improves the removal of tissue waste and assists the lymph system in disposing of that waste.

In late pregnancy, as the uterus puts pressure on the lower back and pelvic floor, many women experience sciatic pain and hip pain as tendons and ligaments relax and loosen in preparation for the birthing process. Pressure is also increased in the upper and lower legs, which usually results in swelling and pressure on nerves. Massage can relieve the inflammation of these nerves by reducing the tension in the surrounding muscles.

Other benefits of prenatal massage include:

Back pain reduction
Joint pain reduction
Less swelling of lower extremities
Better circulation
Muscle tension and headache reduction
Better sleep
Less muscle cramping from improved oxygenation of the tissues

Have a happy and healthy pregnancy!

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