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Benefits of massage in pregnancy

Benefits of massage in pregnancy

More and more women are recognising the benefits of pregnancy massage. It was once perceived as a form of alternative therapy, however it has become an increasingly popular way for women to reduce pregnancy stress and physical discomfort. Research has shown that pregnancy massage is beneficial for pregnant women and provides a number of health benefits.

This is however a specialised area of massage therapy, therefore it's important that you ensure your therapist is suitably qualified in pregnancy massage.

The healthy benefits for mum and baby include:

Improved sleep quality. Deep tissue massage helps the increased production of melatonin hormone and serotonin compound in the body. As a result, people get to have their sleep rhythms regulated. When a pregnant woman receives a massage, it improves the quality of her sleep which promotes a good overall effect on the body.

Lowers stress and anxiety levels. Cortisol is referred to as the stress hormone. When a pregnant woman is introduced to massage therapy as part of prenatal care, the level of cortisol in her body is reduced. This lets her experience good hormones that have been known to improve mood, vitality, and immunity.

Lessens swelling of the joints. Oedema is a medical term used for swelling. It is a common occurrence during pregnancy, and is caused by low circulation and extra pressure on the blood vessels. In order to stimulate the soft tissues and lower the buildup of fluids in swollen joints, deep tissue massage is recommended for pregnant women. At the same time, massage is able to improve the lymph system's ability to remove tissue waste in the body.

Alleviates muscle pain and cramps. Pregnant women also commonly experience muscle pain and cramps. These discomforts usually occur due to muscular tension and heightened motor neuron activity. With the help of a specialist experienced in pregnancy massage Melbourne, these can be greatly reduced.

Reduces nerve pain. A number of women experience sciatic nerve pain, especially in the late stages of their pregnancy. This is because their uterus rests on the muscles in the lower back and pelvic floor. When this happens, the pressure extends tension to the upper and lower leg muscles which result in swelling in these areas. Thanks to Melbourne massage specialists that offer prenatal care therapy, mothers are able to get the help they need in releasing the tension they feel in nearby muscles. Through massage, women get to experience less sciatic nerve pain throughout their pregnancy.

Lowers risk for premature birth. Studies have shown that pregnant mothers who regularly received prenatal massage therapy were less likely to encounter a premature birth as compared to women who did not get a massage throughout their pregnancy

Reduces the baby's stress hormones. Apart from helping the pregnant mother, massage also lowers the stress hormones in the baby. Research has shown that massage plays a vital factor in raising the baby's cortisol levels even if they are still inside their mother's womb. Because of this, it is safe to say that mothers aren't the only ones who receive the health benefits of pregnancy massage.

It is generally advised that pregnancy massage be avoided in the first trimester.   If you would like to know more about pregnancy massage or book an appointment with a  qualified pregnancy massage therapist please contact Elemental Health today (02) 8084 0081

Posted on 13 August 2021
Author:Elemental Health
Tags:Preventative medicinePreconception and pregnancyMassage

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