The Benefits of Pre-Natal Massage

Massage during pregnancy is gaining in popularity as safety concerns fade and the therapeutic benefits become well known. Massage has been used for centuries to ease a multitude of physical discomforts, to improve over-all health, and to reduce stress and anxiety.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said, “The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly also in rubbing; for things that have the same name have not always the same effects. For rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid …” In modern days, physicians rarely utilize massage as a part of their care; however, other medical and health professionals continue the practice. Recently, much research has been done to show how these same benefits apply during pregnancy and for many it has become an important part of a woman's prenatal care.

While massage can be given at any point during the pregnancy, most massage therapists recommend waiting until the second trimester. Although there is no evidence that massage is detrimental during the first 12 weeks, the first trimester has the highest statistical risk of miscarriage. For this reason it is best to be conservative with any complimentary care like massage during that time unless specifically directed by a doctor.

Massage therapy during pregnancy addresses many different needs, including: Muscular and joint pain related to shifting body dimensions Swelling/edema Nerve pain, such as sciatica, in later stages of pregnancy Elevated stress levels Headaches Insomnia Mood swings, including depression and anxiety

We recommend that women should discuss massage with her doctor prior to making an appointment. There are a few situations when massage is not recommended; including high risk pregnancies, pre-eclampsia, severe headaches, severe swelling/edema, high blood pressure readings and a history of premature labor.

Massage can improve the overall physical and emotional health for most pregnant women though nurturing, skillful touch. With physician approval, massage therapy can be included as a part of routine prenatal care to encourage a healthy pregnancy and birth.

Here are some articles from The Touch Institute which is a research center focused primarily on studies relating to the effects of massage:

Field, T. (1999). Pregnant Women Benefit From Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mar;20(1):31-8.

Field, T. (2004). Massage Therapy Effects on Depressed Pregnant Women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jun;25(2):115-22.