Prenatal and Pregnancy Massage Therapy

Prenatal massage has been shown to reduce pregnancy discomforts including; sciatica, swelling, back and neck pain, and upset stomach while enhancing the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. Studies have shown that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can have a profound effect on the body. They include: reduced anxiety, decreased symptoms of depression, relieve of muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. 

“Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health, when massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care. In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression). These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.” (American pregnancy association)

During the first two trimesters of pregnancy a patient can be treated in the prone position (lying on their stomach). Starting in the third trimester the patient must be treated side lying or seated up right in a chair. If the patient is unable to get on a massage table, they may be treated side lying in their own bed.

Postpartum massage can be as important and beneficial as massage during pregnancy. Postpartum massage has a physiological effect on a new mother; it can help to ease postpartum  depression and encourage a bond with her new baby, while helping to improve muscle tone and skin  elasticity.

About two-thirds of new moms experience temporary postpartum depression related to hormonal changes in their body. Massage therapy relaxes muscles, increases circulation while lowering stress hormones, causing relaxation and stress relief.

Your posture changes drastically after giving birth. Breastfeeding and constant holding your child causes a postural imbalance to the core muscles of your upper body. The muscles on the front of your body (pectorals and neck muscles) shorten, while the muscles of your mid back (rhomboids, levator scap and paraspinals) lengthen with prolonged use. This causes weakness of your mid back, this weakness manifest itself as tense muscles and a painful ache. Massage therapy addresses this imbalance by reducing tension in the muscles and restoring range of motion.

Massage therapy promotes relaxation and assists with sleep, receiving enough sleep is key to postpartum recovery.  Your body functions better when well rested, even if you fall asleep during the massage you will be getting some sleep 😉

“Massage greatly improves postpartum hormone balance. Estrogen and progesterone hormone levels are very high during pregnancy and decrease after delivery. Prolactin and oxytocin hormone levels rise to facilitate breastfeeding. Studies indicate that massage reduces the stress hormone cortisol. Certain essential oils may also bring hormone and mood balance.  Massage also reduces naturally occurring biochemicals associated with depression (dopamine and serotonin) and cardiovascular problems (norepinephrine), supporting Mom with the challenges of motherhood.” (American pregnancy association)

Massage therapy relaxes the body, increases circulation and increases milk production. Studies show that massage increases prolactin levels, a lactation hormone. Relaxation in the chest muscles opens the shoulders and improves lactation. (American pregnancy association)