5 Benefits Of Massage Therapy During ALL Stages of Pregnancy
Written by Stephanie J Swarts, RMT and owner of Lakeside Prenatal Massage
The benefits of massage therapy can help mom feel her best during all stages of pregnancy, including postpartum. Massage therapy is a form of self-care, and there is no better time to focus on self-care than during your pregnancy journey!
Studies have suggested that regular massage can provide relief from a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, as well as support the overall health and wellness of the mother and baby.
Although many benefits are not listed, below are 5 really good reasons to seek prenatal massages during your pregnancy:
5 benefits of massage therapy during all stages of pregnancy:
1. Pain Relief
Massage therapy can help reduce tightness and aches in the muscles, back pain and sciatica, swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles, headaches, and other physical body discomforts associated with pregnancy.
Overall, prenatal massage has been known to provide a much more comfortable pregnancy.
2. Improved Sleep Quality
During pregnancy, women often experience insomnia due to a variety of factors including stress, discomfort, and hormonal changes.
Massage therapy can help to relax the mother’s body and mind, allowing for better sleep quality.
Regular massage can also reduce fatigue, allowing pregnant women to be more alert and productive throughout the day.
3. Stress Relief
The physical and mental demands of pregnancy can take a toll on expectant mothers.
Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress levels, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins that help create feelings of relaxation and well-being.
Additionally, massage provides much-needed time for self-care, allowing expectant mothers to temporarily forget about the everyday stresses of life and focus on themselves.
For more information on postpartum mood disorders and treatments see this post:
4. Improved Labor Outcomes
Studies have shown that massage therapy can help reduce labor time, pain, and the need for medical interventions during labor.
Massage can relax the body and mind which can make the experience of childbirth much more manageable.
5. Overall Wellbeing
Massage therapy is a safe, natural way to reduce stress and can provide overall wellbeing to both mother and baby.
By allowing expectant mothers to relax and take time for themselves, pregnancy massage often can help create an environment of health and nourishment necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
It also improves circulation and blood flow, which helps reduce swelling in the arms, legs, and feet that is often associated with pregnancy.
This improved circulation of blood vessels also ensures that nutrients and oxygen are able to reach both mother and baby more efficiently.
The more efficient the body is running, the better the outcome with labor and delivery.
Finding a Trained Prenatal Massage Therapist
Finding a trained or certified prenatal massage therapist is an important step in ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.
When looking for a therapist, it’s important to do your research. Ask for referrals from trusted healthcare providers, or look online for reviews of local massage therapists specializing in prenatal massage.
Prenatal massage can be a very rewarding experience, both physically and emotionally. With the help of a qualified prenatal therapist, expectant mothers can look forward to feeling more relaxed and connected with their baby during their pregnancy.
With careful consideration and proper research, expectant mothers can find a prenatal massage therapist that best meets their needs and helps ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Fourth Trimester Massage Therapy Benefits
The fourth trimester of pregnancy is an important time for both mother and baby.
During this period, the body adjusts to the postpartum state, often resulting in physical and emotional exhaustion.
Prenatal massage therapy is a type of self-care that can help provide relief from many of the aches and pains that come with a new pregnancy, while helping to reduce stress levels, anxiety, and postpartum depression.
Massage has also been found to increase energy levels, improve sleep quality, reduce muscle tension, and promote a better sense of well-being. It can help to alleviate discomforts such as lower back pain and sciatica, headaches and shoulder tension likely caused by nursing or carrying around a newborn and baby gear.
Prenatal massage therapy is also great for babies. Babies often have tummy discomforts and especially after their birth experience, soothing massage can help alleviate some of those discomforts. It is also a great way for mom and baby to bond. A trained massage therapist can help mom learn some techniques that she can use on her newborn for at home self-care.
Ultimately, prenatal massage therapy is an excellent way for mothers to nurture their bodies, minds and spirits during the fourth trimester of pregnancy. By taking the time to invest in self-care and find a qualified therapist, mothers can look forward to feeling more relaxed and connected with their baby after delivery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the benefits of prenatal massage are numerous for both mother and baby, reducing stress, improving sleep quality, alleviating depression and anxiety, improving blood flow, reducing swelling, soothing muscle aches, pains, and other discomforts.
It is an excellent way for mother and baby to connect, and also for family members to become involved in the pregnancy process.
With a qualified prenatal therapist, expectant mothers can experience all of the benefits listed above and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Happy pregnancy!
Reading Resources
For The 10 Best Pregnancy Books: https://lakesideprenatalmassage.ca/the-10-best-pregnancy-books/
