Prenatal and Pregnancy Massage Therapy β Prenatal massage has been shown to reduce pregnancy discomforts including; sciatica, swelling, back and neck pain, and upset stomach while enhancing the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus.
Studies have shown that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can have a profound effect on the body. They include: reduced anxiety, decreased symptoms of depression, relieve of muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. 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. During the first two trimesters of pregnancy a patient can be treated in the prone position lying on their stomach. Starting in the third trimester the patient must be treated side lying or seated up right in a chair. If the patient is unable to get on a massage table, they may be treated side lying in their own bed. Postpartum massage can be as important and beneficial as massage during pregnancy.
Postpartum massage has a physiological effect on a new mother; it can help to ease postpartum depression and encourage a bond with her new baby, while helping to improve muscle tone and skin elasticity. About two-thirds of new moms experience temporary postpartum depression related to hormonal changes in their body.
Massage therapy relaxes muscles, increases circulation while lowering stress hormones, causing relaxation and stress relief. Your posture changes drastically after giving birth. Breastfeeding and constant holding your child causes a postural imbalance to the core muscles of your upper body. The muscles on the front of your body pectorals and neck muscles shorten, while the muscles of your mid back rhomboids, levator scap and paraspinals lengthen with prolonged use. This causes weakness of your mid back, this weakness manifest itself as tense muscles and a painful ache.
