21 Remarkable Prenatal Massage Benefits That Will Make You Feel Better!

What are 21 remarkable prenatal massage benefits? Prenatal massage is a specialized type of massage therapy specifically for pregnant women.

The use of prenatal massage dates back to ancient times, but has been used increasingly in modern medicine since the 1970s.

It is an invaluable tool used during pregnancy to help reduce stress and keep the body in optimal condition.

When in the trenches of a difficult pregnancy, women can REALLY suffer; feeling weighed down month after month, not sleeping well and experiencing insomnia, their energy and happiness depleted, all-day morning sickness, heartburn, achy tired muscles… Sometimes you can hardly walk due to your sciatic nerve being pinched. Or some women suffer from anxiety and feel extra nervous about the upcoming labor or pain their bodies will endure. Some women feel really lonely and like nobody understands. Good news: Prenatal massage is tried, tested and true and it makes pregnant women feel better!

21 prenatal massage benefits:

1. Prenatal massage physically nurtures

Prenatal massage addresses the physical needs of an expectant mother using techniques that support the physiological changes happening in the body.

It can help reduce stress, alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation to provide physically nurturing care for both mother and baby.

2. Prenatal massage emotionally nurtures

Emotionally, prenatal massage can be just as nurturing as it is physically.

Massage during pregnancy can help reduce anxiety levels and promote a sense of emotional wellbeing in the mother-to-be, helping her to bond with her baby.

It may also assist in improving self-image, which is especially important during this time when physical changes are so pronounced.

3. Prenatal massage reduces stress hormones

One of the prenatal massage benefits is reducing stress hormones.

During pregnancy, the hormone cortisol is produced in large quantities and can cause tension in both body and mind.

Massage therapy helps to decrease levels of cortisol which ultimately lowers stress levels.

The effect of this is amplified when combined with other relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, walking, and stretching.

4. It reduces or alleviates headaches

Studies have shown that massage therapy can be an effective way to manage tension headaches, as well as migraines.

Massage promotes relaxation and helps ease muscular tension in the neck, shoulders, and head – all of which are common sources for headaches.

It may also increase circulation to the head and neck, improve oxygen flow, and reduce stress hormones that can contribute to headaches.

5. Prenatal massage reduces swelling

Prenatal massage benefits include reduced swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, and arms which is common during pregnancy.

The massage techniques used are specifically tailored for pre-birth relaxation as well as reducing swelling due to water retention.

As it promotes relaxation, sore muscles are alleviated, circulation is increased, and swelling throughout the body is reduced.

6. It helps alleviate postural strain

Prenatal massage is a safe and beneficial way to help relieve postural strain during pregnancy.

Posture can suffer when expecting mothers carry extra weight in their abdomens, resulting in back pain and other aches due to poor posture.

Prenatal massage can help alleviate this strain and improve posture.

Massage therapy also reduces muscle tension while increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and reducing stress hormones in the body.

7. Prenatal massage reduces foot discomfort

One area where prenatal massage can be especially helpful is in easing foot discomfort.

Unavoidable weight gain during pregnancy can cause pressure on the feet, leading to pain that can make it difficult to walk or move.

Prenatal massage can help reduce this pressure and discomfort by targeting the muscles in the feet, ankles, and calves, reducing inflammation caused by prolonged standing or walking, as well as providing relief from the stress of carrying an extra load.

8. It eases back and neck pain

During pregnancy, the body’s center of gravity is constantly shifting, leading to added strain on the lower back and neck areas.

This extra pressure can cause soreness and even pain in those regions.

Prenatal massage benefits relieve this tension by applying specific techniques that help relax muscles, release trigger points, and encourage circulation in the affected areas.

9. Prenatal massage increases energy and helps improve sleep

Prenatal massage benefits energy levels.

During pregnancy, women often experience fatigue due to hormonal changes and increased physical demands on the body.

Massage therapy can help to alleviate some of that fatigue by promoting relaxation, reducing stress hormones, and improving circulation in the muscles and tissues and as a result, can increase energy levels.

The use of essential oils during prenatal massage can also enhance relaxation and calmness. Reducing stress and anxiety will help improve sleep quality as well.

10. It increases the function of the placenta

One of the most important prenatal massage benefits is its ability to increase the function of the placenta.

The placenta is the organ that connects a fetus to a mother’s uterus and it provides nutrition and oxygen as well as waste removal.

Massage can help to stimulate the production of hormones that are essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, such as oxytocin and endorphins.

This stimulation allows for increased blood flow throughout the placenta, which helps to ensure adequate nutrition is being provided for your baby.

11. Prenatal massage improves circulation

Prenatal massag improves circulation throughout the body.

Improved circulation during pregnancy helps to bring more oxygen-rich blood to both mother and baby, which can have numerous positive effects including overall reduced swelling.

12. Prenatal massage alleviates muscle pain

Prenatal massage can be an excellent way to reduce muscle pain, postural imbalances, muscular ligament strain, and tension.

13. It stimulates the production of prolactin for milk supply

Prenatal massage is an increasingly popular way for pregnant women to relax and prepare for childbirth.

It can also help with promoting a higher milk supply during breastfeeding.

Research has shown that prenatal massage increases the production of prolactin, which is a hormone necessary for lactation after birth.

14. Prenatal massage improves body awareness and breath awareness

Prenatal massage benefits body and breath awareness.

With regular pregnancy massage, expectant mothers can be more aware of how their body moves and breathes throughout their pregnancy journey.

This increased awareness can help reduce stress levels, improve posture, and promote better sleep.

Additionally, this heightened sense of self can lead to greater control over labor pain and an increased ability to relax during childbirth.

15. Being nurtured improves the ability to nurture

Prenatal massage helps to increase the mother’s ability to be nurtured and nurture her unborn baby.

Research has found that this type of therapy can improve communication between mother and baby, resulting in better physical development.

It also supports emotional development by providing a safe and supportive environment during pregnancy.

Reducing stress and anxiety is a great way to help reduce muscle tension and pain while also promoting relaxation.

Prenatal massage can not only provide comfort and relaxation during pregnancy but can also play a role in improving the bonding experience between mother and baby.

16. It improves hormonal function

Prenatal massage benefits hormonal regulation.

Prenatal massage works to soothe tension and calm the body’s natural response to stress, which can help regulate hormones and reduce anxiety.

17. Prenatal massage can help speed labor

The physical contact that takes place during prenatal massage also helps to stimulate oxytocin production.

A hormone produced naturally throughout pregnancy, oxytocin is responsible for stimulating the release of other hormones, such as prolactin and relaxin.

Prolactin helps prepare the body for childbirth by softening ligaments and joints in preparation for labor.

Relaxin also aids in the birth process by helping to soften and relax the muscles and tissues of the cervix in order to allow dilation.

By stimulating the production of these hormones, prenatal massage can help to make labor easier and more comfortable for expectant mothers.

18. It can reduce pregnancy and labor complications

Prenatal massage benefits pregnant women by reducing the risk of pregnancy and labor complications.

It helps to reduce stress hormones in the body, relieving tension and improving circulation.

Massage also encourages relaxation during pregnancy, which is important for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Additionally, prenatal massage therapy may help to improve sleep quality, reduce fatigue and boost energy levels.

Massage can also help to reduce back and joint pain, as well as swelling in the hands, feet, legs and arms.

Studies have shown that prenatal massage can ease labor pains, reduce the length of labor by up to 25%, and even decrease the need for C-sections or medical interventions during delivery.

Overall, prenatal massage is an effective way to reduce the risk of pregnancy and labor complications, while supporting a pregnant woman’s physical and mental wellbeing.

19. Bonding increases with the unborn child

Prenatal massage benefits the mother’s relationship with her unborn baby, helping them bond before the baby is even born.

By stimulating the circulatory system, prenatal massage has been shown to help regulate hormones like cortisol, which is responsible for stress and anxiety.

With increased relaxation, reduced stress hormones, the ease of tension and discomfort, and higher levels of oxytocin (the “love hormone”), the mother can feel more connected to her baby.

20. It allows opportunity for education

Prenatal massage gives expecting mothers the opportunity to be educated about their body and how it’s changing in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

During a massage session, expecting mothers can learn more about their own bodies in relation to pregnancy and receive tips on how to better care for themselves.

Massage therapists often have specialized training in treating pregnant women and can educate moms-to-be on the different techniques and movements that can help ease their symptoms.

With the right knowledge and support, women can enter motherhood feeling empowered, strong, and prepared for the journey ahead.

21. It increases a sense of well-being

Prenatal massage is an invaluable tool for expectant mothers, providing a range of benefits that ultimately improve overall well-being.

Conclusion

Furthermore, prenatal massage can be not only beneficial but life-changing in helping expectant mothers prepare for childbirth. Not only can it help reduce stress levels, but it can also provide relief from muscular tension and aid natural healing processes.

By combining the power of massage and mindful breathing, expectant mothers can look forward to a relaxing, yet empowering birth experience.

If you’re pregnant and considering how you can best care for your physical and mental health during this special time, prenatal massage is worth considering.

It is recommended to find an experienced prenatal massage therapist who understands the process and can customize sessions according to your needs.

With the right massage therapist, you can look forward to a gentle and comforting experience that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

By taking the time to care for yourself with regular prenatal massage sessions, you can nourish your body and mind in preparation for childbirth — and beyond.

In doing so, you’ll be helping to create a strong life-changing foundation for health and well-being during this special time.

FAQ

How often should I get prenatal massage?

Each individual’s needs will be different. Some women have found that once a month is a great maintenance level. Others have found that in their particular situation, they loved getting a massage weekly-bi-weekly and it helped them enjoy their pregnancy to the fullest.

What stage of pregnancy can I start getting prenatal massage?

Some massage therapists are told to not massage in the 1st trimester, however, this is only for liability purposes in case a miscarriage happens in the 1st trimester. Massage poses no risk to the mother and baby at any stage unless your educated massage therapist notices contraindications to treatment and your doctor has decided massage is not recommended in your situation. A thorough health intake will be done before your first treatment in which the trained massage therapist should recognize any contraindications to treatment. So first get the green light from your doctor, and then find a qualified massage therapist who specializes in prenatal and is confident in treating you at any stage.

What positions can I lay in?

Prenatal massage can be done while side-lying, prone, or supine. Careful consideration must be taken in each stage of pregnancy regarding positioning and the qualified massage therapist should have the appropriate pillows or cushions to accommodate for best comfort and results.

References:

-Information provided has been researched throughout the Maternity Massage Specialists Course for registered massage therapists: Maternity Massage Specialist Course

-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3576879/