Top 8 Benefits of Prenatal Massage for Expecting Moms

Top 8 Benefits of Prenatal Massage for Expecting Moms

Did you know prenatal massage has been practiced in many cultures for millennia for its immense benefit to reduce pregnancy-related swelling and pain?

In fact, it can benefit many expecting mothers when done correctly and under the correct guidance and supervision.

Prenatal massage can significantly help reduce stress and anxiety, pregnancy-induced pains, and swelling in hips, legs, and back, improving sleep, hormone regulation, and overall circulation for a safe pregnancy.

Some proponents believe that specific massage techniques can help prepare the body for labor by promoting muscle and joint flexibility.

Although it requires more research, it opens an exciting topic of discussion for prenatal massage.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage for Expecting Moms

The prenatal period is critical for any woman as it leads to fetal development and is particularly critical to brain development in newborns.

However, it is also marked by irregular hormone regulation leading to stress, swelling of joints due to reduced circulation, and sciatic nerve pain during late pregnancy.

Therapeutic massage can provide ease without negatively affecting their or baby's health; hence, pregnancy experts often recommend it.

• Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Massage therapy helps eliminate stress and anxiety by promoting overall relaxation.

The gentle touch and soothing techniques used during the massage, significantly Swedish massage, aim to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic circulation.

Studies have shown that regular massage helps increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine, which help with mood regulation, and endorphins that act as painkillers.

It is essential only to apply mild pressure to the muscles; hence, therapies like the Swedish, reflexology, and specifically designed prenatal massage are recommended.

• Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief

Sciatic nerve pain is prevalent in late pregnancy. The uterus rests on the pelvic floor and lower back muscles, causing additional tension in sciatic nerves.

The pain associated with the sciatic nerve, such as around the back and upper legs, can be prolonged and immobilizing.

Prenatal massage, when performed by a trained therapist, helps reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, relieving pain and discomfort.

You should undertake myofascial release therapy, which reduces tightness or soreness throughout your body.

Similarly, Myofascial Trigger Point therapy is another technique that works on specific trigger points in your body to reduce tension or tightness.

However, consult with the therapist beforehand to talk about any risks.

• Improved Sleep

The rest is necessary for expecting mothers, who must sleep as close to 8-10 hours daily to allow their bodies to recuperate from the daily toll.

Therefore, opting for prenatal massage can be great to induce a great sleep schedule for your overall wellness.

Prenatal or regular massage can induce endorphins in your system, promoting a positive emotional state.

Moreover, massaging can soothe muscle tension and discomfort present during pregnancy, which leads to overall comfort.

You can opt for Swedish massage, oil massages, or reflexology as prenatal massages for improved sleep.

• Reduced Swelling

Foot and arm swelling occurs during pregnancy when the body retains extra fluid and experiences pressure from the growing uterus. 

It can get worse as the pregnancy advances, leading to continuous pain, immobility, and other risks of Preeclampsia.

The prenatal massage can help focus on improving circulation and lymphatic drainage to prevent the pooling of fluids in the extremities.

Massage techniques such as effleurage, involving gentle and long strokes, promote blood flow and lymphatic drainage. This technique is typically directed towards the heart, aiding in the circulation of fluids.

Depending on the range of swelling, you can opt for Swedish massage once or twice a week.

Alternatively, your family member can give you gentle foot and ankle massages to alleviate swelling whenever needed.

• Hormone Regulation

Did you know changes in maternal hormone concentrations play a pivotal role in improving the metabolic and immunologic changes required for successful outcomes in pregnancy?

The fetus and placenta produce and secrete steroids and peptides into the circulation, which helps stimulate maternal hormone production.

However, irregular hormone circulation can cause stress and sleep deprivation during pregnancy, requiring immediate alleviation.

Prenatal massage can help with hormone regulation by reducing cortisol, increasing serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality and hormonal regulation.

Moreover, a reduction in Cortisol levels helps with overall wellness during pregnancy.

• Preparation for Labor

Expecting mothers who are physically and mentally more relaxed often experience less labor pain than others.

Therefore, many gynecologists recommend expecting mothers to try self-care and relaxing routines to make labor less painful.

Specific prenatal massages can prepare the body for labor by releasing prevalent muscle tension, improving blood circulation, and reducing stress.

The effleurage technique in Swedish massage helps focus on your abdomen; back massage and gentle massaging techniques can help release muscle tension before labor.

This increased muscle flexibility in the lower back, hips, and pelvis may be beneficial during labor, as it allows for better movement and positioning of the body.

However, consult with your Gynecologist before opting for any massages just before labor due, such as perineal or perineum massage.

Types of Massages to Opt for During Pregnancy

Several massage therapies can be adapted or designed explicitly for the prenatal stage to address the unique needs and concerns of pregnant women.

Here are a few commonly adapted therapies.

• Swedish Massage: The popular massage therapy developed by Per Henrik Ling in the 1830s is also one of the most popular prenatal massages known for its long and gentle strokes or Effleurages, which help with many prenatal problems.

• Side-lying Massage: The massage targets the muscles that run along the sides of the body to alleviate pressure on the abdomen, usually during late pregnancy.

• Shiatsu: This Japanese massage technique provides a nurturing touch. It can be adapted for pregnancy and modified to reach or avoid specific pressure points.

• Reflexology: Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, or ears and is probably effective and safe on labor pain.

• Craniosacral Therapy: It focuses on the craniosacral system, such as the spine, skull, and sacrum, to promote relaxation and release tension. It applies gentle techniques that are safe for the expectant mother.

• Aromatherapy: An alternative technique can be effective in subsiding morning sickness and nausea. It uses essential oils tailored to promote relaxation and ease common pregnancy-related symptoms.

How to Choose a Massage Therapist?

First and foremost, consult your gynecologist or physician for approval.

The next step is to find a reliable massage therapist qualified to perform prenatal massage.

• Check whether they are certified in prenatal massage (licenses or certificates)
• Check whether they provide on-location and home service, especially for late-pregnancy clients.
• Check reviews and customer experience before deciding.

Controversial Safety Factors

There are a few essential things to consider when opting for prenatal massage to avoid risks.

Experts recommend expecting mothers to avoid massage therapy if they are likely to experience high-risk pregnancy.

• Pre-eclampsia: A condition usually develops around 20 weeks of pregnancy, leading to increased blood pressure and protein in the urine.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT condition indicates swelling in the leg, usually a blood clot (thrombus). 
• Gestational diabetes mellitus: High blood sugar levels during pregnancy may pose a risk. Clients should consult a doctor before taking part in the therapy to understand the risks involved.

Conclusion

As pregnancy progresses, women may experience stress and discomfort due to changes in posture, weight distribution, and hormonal fluctuations.

Prenatal massage can address these concerns by offering tailored therapies to relieve and promote wellness.

Contact Lemon Massage Therapy, a professional massage therapist in Des Moines, to discuss prenatal massage therapies.