Jessica Jones AdvDip(Myotherapy), Dip(Remedial Massage)
Nurture Life Practitioner
Pregnancy Massage has been the subject of several studies over the past 10 years. Therapeutic massage during pregnancy has been shown to reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, improve labor and newborn health outcomes.
Stress Management
When massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care, hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress were significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. 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.
Reduction of swelling
Swelling of the joints during pregnancy is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the growing uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints, which also improves the removal of tissue waste, carried by the body’s lymph system.
Improvement of nerve pain
Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many women have experienced significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage.
Important Considerations
Body position during massage
Side-lying or the use of a specially designed pregnancy pillow are considered the best positions for a pregnant woman during massage.
Sensitive pressure points
Our trained pregnancy massage therapists are aware of and avoid pressure points on the ankles and wrists that can gently stimulate pelvic muscles, including the uterus.
When is it safe to begin?
Abdominal massage should be avoided until the 18th week of pregnancy.
Women with the following conditions should speak with a health care provider prior to receiving a massage:
- High risk pregnancy
- Pregnancy induced high blood pressure
- Pre-eclampsia
- Previous pre-term labor
- Experiencing severe swelling, high blood pressure, or sudden, severe headaches
- Recently gave birth