Prenatal Massage Relieves Pain and Stress During Pregnancy

Posted by Dr. Della Parker     on December 18, 2018

Moms-to-be experience a lot of dramatic change with their bodies over the course of their pregnancy, and much of the change can be difficult to cope with. The Stellar Moms on staff at Stellar Health & Wellness know the difficulties faced by pregnant women, and we strive to make the experience of pregnancy as stress-free as possible for our patients. Pregnant women dealing with pain and stress can benefit greatly from prenatal massage.

This form of therapeutic body work focuses on the needs of the patient as her body goes through the changes of pregnancy. Prenatal massage utilizes a gentle, non-invasive touch that can ease the discomfort associated with pregnancy. This helps prepare the soon-to-be-mother for labor and provides nurturing emotional support.

There are, of course, physical benefits to prenatal massage, but there are also psychological and emotional benefits as well. Prenatal massage alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints and musculofascial structures. It also assists in relieving a wide range of discomforts that come with pregnancy. The discomforts that can be relieved by prenatal massage include: muscular discomforts, lower-back pain, upper-back pain, headaches, leg cramps, sciatica, stiffness, tension and knots, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, heartburn and acid reflux, fatigue, varicose veins, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, edema of the lower extremities, neck pain, interscapular pain, sacroiliac and hip joint pain, and constipation. It can also increase blood circulation, which provides more oxygen and nutrients to both mother and fetus and stimulates the lymph system, thereby increasing immunity and removal of toxins.

Additionally, prenatal massage stabilizes hormonal levels and helps relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes. The process of the massage also triggers the release of endorphins into the patient’s body, which soothes and relaxes the nervous system. This results in feelings of relaxation and ease, as well as helping the mother to sleep more easily and deeply. Prenatal massage eases the load on the heart and helps keep blood pressure in check and enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.

This method of massage also supports the return of blood to the heart and increases blood flow to the uterus and placenta. During pregnancy, there is an enormous demand placed on the circulatory system. Blood volume may increase up to 60 percent compared to pre-pregnancy levels. As pregnancy progresses and the uterus enlarges and presses deep into the pelvic bowl, venous return to the heart is hampered. Massage will keep the blood flowing as it should.

The sedating effects of prenatal massage on the nervous system also prepares the mother for labor. Prenatal massage also provides expecting women with the emotional support and nurturing touch provided by non-invasive human touch and energy.

In addition to prenatal massage, Stellar Health & Wellness offers multiple styles of massage therapy, including Swedish and Deep Tissue/Trigger Point. Expecting and new moms looking for relief from pain and stress can rely on the trained professionals at Stellar Health & Wellness.

At Stellar Health and Wellness, we are moms and know how much work moms do. If you are a mom and want to focus on your wellness, call 503-344-6631 today for a free consultation!

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