Why you want to receive massage during pregnancy
Do you know any women that are expecting a child? Here is some information they are definitely going to want to hear:
Research has shown that receiving massage during pregnancy results in reduced anxiety, fewer labor complications, and fewer complications for the infant after birth.
A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology and authored by T. Field, M. Hemandez-Reif, S. Hart, H. Theakston, S. Schanberg, C. Kuhn, found these results almost ten years ago. The abstract states the following:
“Twenty-six pregnant women were assigned to a massage therapy or a relaxation therapy group for 5 weeks. The therapies consisted of 20-min sessions twice a week. Both groups reported feeling less anxious after the first session and less leg pain after the first and last session. Only the massage therapy group, however, reported reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep and less back pain by the last day of the study. In addition, urinary stress hormone levels (norepinephrine) decreased for the massage therapy group and the women had fewer complications during labor and their infants had fewer postnatal complications (e.g., less prematurity).”
This is huge. Who wouldn’t want this kind of support for herself and her baby?
Time and time again, research shows what a profound positive affect massage therapy has on pregnancy and birth, and this study is a perfect example of it. Not only does the pregnant woman feel happier, more well-rested, and more comfortable in her own body when she receives regular massage, but she has a smoother labor experience, and actively promotes the health of her baby. I think that last point alone would be enough to catch any pregnant woman’s interest.
For any women that are expecting and haven’t yet begun receiving massage treatments, I highly encourage they seek out a practitioner that has had advanced training in pregnancy and postpartum bodywork. The depth of support and knowledge this person can offer is significant and well worth considering during this amazing time of growth, anticipation, and transformation.
