The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Did you know that 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? That's great news for expectant mamas!

Through varying techniques, massage therapy addresses different needs all aimed to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation. Swedish Massage is the most common prenatal massage method used during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

In one recent study, women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, showed a reduction in the stress hormones norepinephrine and cortisol, while 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.

Both of our massage therapists are well trained in pregnancy massage, and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us or click here to schedule an appointment today!