Prenatal and Postpartum Massage Therapy

Why is Massage Important During My Pregnancy?

It is to no surprise to anyone that massage therapy has benefits for our well-being, but what exactly are some of those benefits while being pregnant? Massage can help alleviate sciatic and back pain from our changing bodies and extra weight from a growing baby. It is known to help improve our mood and ease insomnia issues. You can also request for a massage therapist during labor, to help decrease labor pains during contractions. It is best to talk to your healthcare provider if that is something you would like to add to your birth plan. 

How Does Massage Therapy Help My Baby During Pregnancy?

Massage therapy indirectly benefits the baby through the positive impact on the mother’s health. When the mother’s body is relaxed it relaxes the in-utero environment the baby is in. The extra stimulation to the abdomen and mother can promote more fetal movement. There are some studies showing that massage may also reduce risk of preterm birth and low birth weights. 

What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy After Pregnancy?

Postpartum massage therapy can help our bodies recover quicker during the healing period after giving birth. Massage can help regulate our hormones that become all kinds of out of whack from being pregnant and giving birth. This hormone regulation can also help improve sleep and breastfeeding. It can help provide pain relief for our aching muscles and relax our mind, while decreasing swelling that may be going on. 

When Should I Avoid Massage Therapy?

Massage should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because of the fragile state of the womb and heightened risk of miscarriage. It is recommended to talk to your doctor before receiving a massage to ensure it is safe for you.

Other cases to avoid massage:

• History of preeclampsia or preterm labor

• High blood pressure

• Blood clots present

• Gestational diabetes

  
  

Bibliography:

Admin. (2021, December 9). Postpartum massage. American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/first-year-of-life/postpartum-massage/ 

Benefits of massage during pregnancy: Amta. American Massage Therapy Association. (n.d.-a). https://www.amtamassage.org/resources/massage-and-health/medical-treatments/pregnancy-and-massage/ 

WebMD. (n.d.-b). Pregnancy body massage and contraindications. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-and-massage