More women are turning to prenatal massage therapy as an essential part of their pregnancy care. Since a woman’s body goes through significant changes during this time, there is a limit on the types of treatment available that doesn’t impact the health of the mother and still-developing baby. Prenatal massage is a safe, effective treatment that offers many benefits including those listed below.

Some Prenatal Massage Benefits

1. Reduces Swelling

Pregnant women produce more fluid than usual, which can lead to swollen joints.  Adding roughly 30 pounds of extra weight can also put stress on weight-bearing joints, such as hips, knees, and ankles.  Gentle massage therapy in these areas can stimulate soft tissue to reduce swelling and encourage the lymphatic system to drain away metabolic waste. 

2. Encourages Sleep

Finding the proper sleeping position while pregnant is difficult, and many women toss and turn and sleep on their side to remove pressure from their stomachs.  Massage therapy is a drug-free sleep aid because it relaxes the muscles and produces a sedative effect, improving sleep quality and duration. Massage therapists trained in prenatal massage can give you options to help you get the restful sleep you need without affecting yours or your baby’s health.

3. Provides Hormone Regulation

Prenatal massage therapy regulates hormones associated with relaxation and stress management.  Hormones like serotonin and dopamine levels increase through frequent messages, while norepinephrine and cortisol, the stress hormones are reduced. Studies done over the years have shown significantly altered hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress when massage therapy is introduced to women’s prenatal care.  This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. These changes can also lead to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight.

4. Improves Nerve Pain

During late-stage pregnancy, the uterus sits on muscles in the lower back and pelvic floor. The strain of the uterus can extend the tension to the upper and lower leg, which puts pressure on nearby nerves and may cause swelling. Frequent massage therapy will release tension and reduce pain from the sciatic nerve, the large nerve in the body that provides motor and sensory function to the lower legs.

The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women.  Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement shown to improve pregnancy outcomes and maternal health.  Consult with your physician before beginning any new therapeutic practice.

For reliable massage therapy during every stage of pregnancy, trust the experts at Hands-On Health Massage & Physical Therapy in High Point, NC. Since 2003, this locally owned clinic has offered comprehensive treatment plans for all its clients. Their professional and licensed therapists use treatments like lymphatic balancing, neuromuscular therapy, Swedish massage, and more to help relax and soothe muscle aches and pains. Call today at (336) 906-2040 to book an appointment, or visit their website for more information on the various benefits of their massage options.