Massage is a type of therapeutic bodywork that can benefit a pregnant woman in many ways. The weight of the growing baby puts pressure on the mother's internal organs, creating aches and pains and restricted breathing. The stress of caring for and supporting a child may contribute to some sleepless nights as well. Massage during pregnancy can be used to erase worries and discomfort during the weeks and months before a mother-to-be's due date. Women who have preeclampsia, hypertension or skin infections should consult their obstetrician before scheduling a massage during pregnancy.
Reduction of Stress
Stress is often an emotion that is present during pregnancy; thinking about the new addition's impact on the family unit and the forthcoming birth experience can create anxiety in both the parents-to-be. The American Pregnancy Association reports that massage therapy during pregnancy might reduce stress levels in pregnant women by regulating hormone levels. Stress hormones called cortisol and norepinephrine are often lower after bodywork techniques are applied, while "feel-good" hormones serotonin and dopamine rise. In addition to the hormonal changes that take place during a massage, the simple fact that some of the physical tension is released during a massage may help a pregnant woman's mind relax as well.
Decreased Swelling
A two-fold benefit of pregnancy massage is increased circulation, which leads to a decrease in the amount of swelling an expectant mom may experience. Pregnancy.org, an online resource dedicated to topics ranging from preconception to postpartum concerns, explains that Swedish massage helps increase blood flow and stimulates the lymph system, which allows the body to excrete toxins more readily, and in turn, reduces the amount of swelling that is usually found in the hands and legs during later stages of pregnancy. Women who receive massage therapy after 22 weeks of pregnancy should lie on their sides, to avoid constricting circulation due to pressure on their blood vessels.
Reduction of Pain
Pain relief is a clear benefit of prenatal massage, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The manipulation of the soft tissues in the body can alleviate muscle aches and also releases endorphins in the body. Endorphins are often described as "nature's pain killers" because the hormones' release to the nervous system causes pain to recede or become less pronounced. Nerve pain, such as sciatica, that is common in the third trimester of pregnancy, may also dissipate--at least temporarily--because the bodywork performed on the muscles that are close to the irritated nerves relax, thus letting up in the inflamed nerves.
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