Four Benefits Of Prenatal Massage

Like any other massage, prenatal massage aims to relax the body and mind, relieve pain and make a pregnant woman feel better. Are you already aware of its benefits?

Prenatal massage

The only difference between a regular and prenatal massage is that the latter is suitable for pregnant women. Thus, this type of massage takes into account the peculiarities and changes that occur in pregnant women. That is why the masseur adapts the techniques accordingly.

This means that the prenatal masseur takes into account that the center of gravity shifts during pregnancy, putting more strain on the neck, back and shoulders. The same goes for the lower back, which is more tense during those months due to weight gain.

In general, the goal of prenatal massage is to relieve these muscles and body parts to reduce pain and discomfort. Also, like any other massage, it is meant to make you feel better, relax and release stress and tension.

The benefits of prenatal massage

1. It Lowers Stress and Anxiety Levels

Several studies have been able to verify the effectiveness of prenatal massage in reducing stress and anxiety levels in pregnant women. Indeed, pregnant volunteers who received a 20-minute prenatal massage for five weeks reported less stress from the first session.

The group of pregnant women who received these massages reported that their mood had improved, their anxiety levels were lower, and they slept more peacefully. These benefits are also associated with less postpartum depression.

2. It reduces back pain

One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is back and lower back pain. Weight gain and the pressure of the baby can strain the muscles, causing pregnant women to suffer from pain.

Also, the development of the baby causes the uterus to enlarge and the center of gravity to shift. This changes the attitude of pregnant women. As a result, the back and lower back muscles are overloaded.

In this sense, prenatal massages can help reduce undue strain on these muscles and relax them. Some research shows that applying this type of massage can help reduce lower back pain.

3. It helps reduce foot and leg pain

Like lower back pain, many pregnant women also suffer from sore legs and feet. This is especially common in the third trimester. During pregnancy , blood flow increases and weight gain narrows the veins and arteries. This then affects blood flow.

When you add in the fluid retention and fatigue that are so characteristic of pregnancy, it is normal for pregnant women to experience leg fatigue and even cramps. To avoid this discomfort, it is best to maintain normal hydration levels and walk to avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

Doctors also recommend practicing relaxation techniques and stretching the affected muscles. In that sense, prenatal massage helps to reduce problems. This is because they provide general relaxation of all muscles and also of the leg muscles.

4. Prenatal massages reduce the risk of preterm birth

Depression and anxiety during pregnancy may be associated with a higher risk of fetal activity and premature delivery. Some research shows that prenatal massages can lower cortisol levels. Fortunately, this can lead to reduced stress and anxiety levels and relieve depression.

Depressed pregnant women who received prenatal massages showed less fetal activity and a reduced number of preterm deliveries. In addition, the benefits are not limited to the mother-to-be. The newborns of mothers who received prenatal massages also had lower cortisol levels!

Prenatal Massage Precautions

Although prenatal massages have many benefits and pose virtually no health risks, doctors do not recommend them in many cases:

• In multiple or high-risk pregnancies.
• In pregnant women with hypertension or pregnant women with heart or clotting problems.
• If there is vaginal bleeding or if there is placental abruption.
• If there is vomiting, fever or diarrhoea.

Therefore, if you are about to decide whether or not you should take prenatal massage, you should first consult your doctor about whether it is a good idea in your particular case. Ask about the best type of massage you should get and where the massage should be done.

Always consult a specialist in this type of massage. Only a specialist knows how the massage should be performed, in which places, what pressure should be applied and in what position.