Modern research is showing that prenatal massage therapy can be a beneficial part of prenatal care by reducing stress, anxiety, and muscle aches while improving labor outcomes and newborn health. It is best to receive massage from a therapist specifically trained in prenatal massage, as they can properly address posture and pressure concerns during pregnancy. Studies indicate potential additional benefits such as hormone regulation, reduced swelling and pain, improved circulation and sleep.

1. MASSAGE AND PREGNANCY –
PRENATAL MASSAGE
By: americanpregnancy.org

2. Therapeutic massage has been used for
centuries to improve overall health, reduce
stress, and relieve muscle tension.
Massage and pregnancy has often received
ambivalent responses from the health
community regarding the safety and purpose of
massage during pregnancy.

3. Modern investigation and research is proving
that prenatal massage therapy can be a very
instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal
care and should be given careful consideration.

4. Although most massage training institutions
teach massage therapy for women who are
pregnant, it is best to find a massage therapist
who is certified in prenatal massage. The APA
does work with some massage therapists who
are trained to work with pregnant women, but it
is still important to ask about qualifications.

5. Massage and Pregnancy: Benefits of
prenatal massage
Studies indicate that massage therapy
performed during pregnancy can reduce
anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression,
relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and
improve labor outcomes and newborn health.

6. Other potential benefits of prenatal
massage:
 Hormone regulation
 Reduction of swelling
 Improvement of nerve pain
 Reduced back pain
 Reduced joint pain
 Improved circulation
 Reduced edema
 Reduced muscle tension and headaches
 Reduced stress and anxiety
 Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
 Better sleep