For centuries, massage therapy has been used to help relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and improve overall health. But what about pregnant women? Is massage therapy safe and beneficial for them?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, “Modern investigation and research has shown that prenatal massage therapy can be an instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal care and should be given careful consideration.”
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and precautions to help determine if prenatal massage therapy is right for you.
Benefits Of Prenatal Massage
Massage therapy can help pregnant women reduce anxiety, relieve muscle aches and joint pain, and decrease depression symptoms. Additionally, it can even improve labor outcomes and newborn health—according to recent studies.
Recent studies conducted in the past 10 years also show that prenatal massage can help regulate mood. It can also improve cardiovascular health by significantly altering hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress.
In fact, women who received bi-weekly massages for as little as five weeks saw a reduction in norepinephrine and cortisol (stress hormones). They also saw an increase in dopamine and serotonin. The improvements in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and in newborns, like low birth weight.
Prenatal massage therapy can also help reduce joint swelling by stimulating soft tissues and reducing fluids in swollen joints. It also improves nerve pain by addressing inflamed nerves caused by uterus pressure on the pelvic floor and lower back.
The potential benefits of prenatal massage are ever-increasing. Some include improved circulation, better sleep, reduced back, joint, muscle tension, and headache pain, reduced stress and anxiety, reduced edema, and improved oxygenation of the muscles and soft tissues.
Precautions To Consider Before Prenatal Massage Therapy
While the benefits of prenatal massage might make you want to dive right in, there are important factors to consider beforehand. Be sure to discuss massage with your prenatal provider to determine if its safe for you. And always seek care from a certified massage therapist.
Women who have experienced preterm contractions, bleeding, or have conditions like high-risk pregnancy, preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, a history of preterm labor, high blood pressure, or severe swelling or headaches should also speak with their healthcare provider prior to massage.
For many women, massage therapy is safe during the first, second, and third trimesters. However, your prenatal care provider should be able to give recommendations for your specific pregnancy.
Massages In Logan, Utah
Massage therapy can improve the overall health and comfort for many pregnant women. While precautions should be taken, this treatment could make a significant difference and help you enjoy a happier, healthier pregnancy.
After consulting with your prenatal provider, contact Spring Creek Medical Center to make massages a routine part of your prenatal care.
