Pregnancy Massage

Massage during pregnancy can be a helpful way to manage a variety of common pregnancy-related conditions, including back pain, swelling, and insomnia.

However, it is important for pregnant women to seek out a qualified remedial massage therapist to ensure that they receive safe and effective care.

One of the main benefits of massage during pregnancy is its ability to reduce muscle tension and pain. As the weight of the growing fetus puts additional strain on the body, many women experience aches and pains in the back, hips, and legs. Massage can help to alleviate these symptoms by improving blood flow and releasing tension in tight muscles.

​Massage can also be helpful in managing swelling, particularly in the feet and legs. This is because massage can improve lymphatic flow and reduce fluid buildup in the body. Additionally, massage has been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, which can be particularly beneficial for pregnant women who are struggling to get enough rest.

However, it is important for pregnant women to seek out a qualified remedial massage therapist who has experience working with pregnant clients. This is because certain massage techniques and positions can be unsafe during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. A qualified therapist will be able to adjust their techniques and positioning to ensure the safety and comfort of both the mother and the baby.

There are several conditions that can be effectively managed with massage during pregnancy. For example, one study found that massage was effective in reducing the severity of lower back pain in pregnant women (Field et al., 2012). Another study found that massage was helpful in managing swelling in the feet and legs (Javanmardifard et al., 2019). Massage has also been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in pregnant women (Nourmohammadi et al., 2019).

In addition to seeking out a qualified remedial massage therapist, pregnant women should also talk to their Obstetrician or healthcare provider before beginning massage therapy. This is because there are certain medical conditions that can make massage unsafe, such as high blood pressure or a history of preterm labor.

Overall, massage can be a helpful way to manage a variety of common pregnancy-related conditions, but it is important for pregnant women to seek out a qualified therapist to ensure that they receive safe and effective care.

References:

Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Deeds, O., & Figueiredo, B. (2012). Pregnancy massage reduces prematurity, low birthweight and postpartum depression. Infant Behavior and Development, 35(1), 3-10.

Javanmardifard, S., Hekmatkhah, A., Talebi, E., & Mirzaei, M. (2019). The effect of massage therapy on reducing edema and pain of the lower extremity in pregnant women. Journal of education and health promotion, 8, 172.

Nourmohammadi, M., Moradi, M., Pour, J. H., & Bazarganipour, F. (2019). The effect of massage therapy on anxiety and stress in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of caring sciences, 8(4), 217-222.

American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Massage therapy during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/prenatal-massage-5479/

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Pregnancy massage: Understand the benefits. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-massage/art-20045767