Massage during pregnancy is beneficial for the mother-to-be and the baby in utero.  As with any massage, the pregnant mom will feel more relaxed after a massage and experience decreased physical and mental stress.  Research has shown that women who receive massage while pregnant may have easier delivieries, a reduced chance of post partum depression, and may regain their bodies more quickly.  Massage is a great way for the mother-to-be to relieve the general aches, pains, and tension of pregnancy while at the same time feeling pampered and relaxed.

Swedish massage is the recommended prenatal massage method because it allows the therapist to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood flow using mild pressure and gentle techniques.  I combine Swedish massage with my knowledge of shiatsu (acupressure points) and gentle stretching to give women the most comfortable and relaxing massage possible.

Many women appreciate the specially-designed pregnancy massage table that I have at my office.  It allows women to lie face down throughout their pregnancy using a support system that gently cradles the abdomen.  While most women love the ability to lay on their stomachs, some find they prefer the traditional side-lying pregnancy massage position.  I use bolsters and pillows to support the client in this position so that you always feel comfortable and fully relaxed and able to soak up the many benefits of the massage.

Below I have a more in-depth discussion of the benefits of prenatal massage.

Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that when massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care, hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced, and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression). These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.

Edema, swelling of the joints, is a common complaint of pregnant women.  It is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints, improving the removal of waste carried by the body’s lymph system.

Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many women have experienced significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage.

Listed below are some other prenatal massage benefits:

• Relieves stress and increases relaxation for mom and baby
• Stabilizes hormone levels (decrease in stress hormones and an increase in dopamine and serotonin) leading to improved cardiovascular health and a calmer and more relaxed mind
  
• Alleviates back aches and leg cramps
  
• Reduces the frequency and strength of headaches
  
• Increases blood circulation, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to mom and baby
  
• Reduces swelling in the hands and feet
  
• Increases muscle tone and flexibility thereby alleviating muscle cramps and spasms
  
• Increases energy
  
• Reduces sciatic nerve pain
  
• Reduces back pain
  
• Promotes better and healthier sleep
  
• Strengthens the immune system
  
• Increases blood and lymph flow, which can help increase the elimination of toxins through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, helping with fatigue
  
• Increases oxygen in the blood, sometimes up to 10-15% after a massage
  
• Stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers
  
• Relieves anxiety or depression
  
• Helps to lower blood pressure