Benefits Of Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage aims to relax the mind and body, relieve pain and induce well-being. Do you know the main benefits of prenatal massage for pregnant women?

Prenatal massage

The only difference between a normal and a prenatal massage is that the latter is ideal for pregnant women. Therefore, this type of massage takes into account the peculiarities and changes that occur in pregnant women.

The massage specialist will use special techniques. This means that the prenatal masseur will take into account the fact that, during pregnancy, the center of gravity changes, which makes the neck, back and shoulders subject to greater stress. The same goes for the lower back, which is more tense permanently due to weight gain.

In general, the purpose of prenatal massage is to reduce the discomfort and pain that occur during pregnancy. Also, like any other massage, it will make you feel better, relax and get rid of stress and tension.

Benefits of prenatal massage

1. Decreases the level of stress and anxiety

Various scientific studies have tested the effectiveness of prenatal massage in reducing stress and anxiety in pregnant women. Indeed, pregnant volunteers who received a 20-minute prenatal massage for five weeks reported a lower level of stress after the first session.

Pregnant volunteers claimed that their mood improved, that their anxiety levels were lower, and that they enjoyed a more restful sleep. Moreover, these benefits are also associated with lower rates of postpartum depression.

2. Relieves back pain

One of the most common problems during pregnancy is lower back pain. Indeed, the weight gain and pressure that the baby exerts can affect the muscles, causing pregnant women to suffer from severe pain.

Also, the baby’s development causes the uterus to grow in size and the center of gravity to change. So the posture of pregnant women is changing. As a result, the back muscles, and especially the lower back, suffer greatly.

Prenatal massages can help reduce the excessive pressure on these muscles and relax them. Some studies show that applying this type of massage can help reduce low back pain in pregnant women.

3. Relieves pain in the feet and soles

Many pregnant women also suffer from leg and foot pain. This is very common in the last trimester of pregnancy.

During pregnancy, blood flow to the placenta is accelerated, and weight gain puts pressure on the veins and arteries. Then this affects the blood circulation. If we add fluid retention and pregnancy fatigue, it is normal for pregnant women to suffer from leg pain and even muscle cramps.

To prevent this discomfort, you need to maintain an optimal level of hydration and walk to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Doctors also recommend the use of relaxation techniques and stretching of the affected muscles. In this regard, prenatal massages help relieve pain in the feet and soles. This is because the massage induces relaxation and releases tension.

4. Reduces the risk of premature birth

We end the list of benefits of prenatal massage with a very important aspect.

Depression and anxiety during pregnancy have a higher risk of fetal activity and premature birth. Some studies show that prenatal massage can reduce the level of cortisol in the body. Fortunately, this can lead to lower levels of stress and anxiety and relieve depression.

Depressed pregnant women who received prenatal massages had lower fetal activity and a reduced rate of premature birth. In addition, the benefits are not limited to the mother. Newborn mothers who received prenatal massages also enjoyed lower cortisol levels!

Precautions regarding prenatal massage