If you’re asking me, you know my answer is already yes!!

I have yet to be pregnant myself, BUT I have worked with a ton of pregnant clients in my 8 years of being a massage therapist and I have seen amazing outcomes for my clients during their pregnancies and after labor.

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but for some, it can get uncomfortable, especially as your baby gets bigger and starts having those fun dance parties at 3am. Not only that, but pregnancy can also be stressful for some women. Dealing with work, kids, pets, family, and just life in general can feel overwhelming and a bit lonely. And don’t get me started on hormone fluctuations..

If you’ve had luck with massage pre-pregnancy reducing tension, releasing stress, alleviating aches and pains; pregnancy massage might be a great option for you!

Massage during pregnancy can support labor, reduce stress, and balance hormones. Not only does it provide physical relief, but it also nurtures your emotional well-being during a wonderful, yet stressful journey.

Alleviating Discomfort

As the body changes to accommodate your growing little one, many pregnant mamas experience discomfort; particularly in the back, hips, and legs. Prenatal massage can effectively relieve tension in these areas, easing common pregnancy-related aches. The soothing techniques help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and promote overall comfort, allowing expectant mothers to feel more at ease.

Enhancing Labor Preparation

Studies have shown that massage can play a significant role in preparing the body for labor. When receiving regular sessions during your pregnancy, especially in the 3rd trimester, massage can help:

Improve Relaxation: Relaxed muscles are more adaptable, which can aid in the birthing process. When releasing tight areas, like the low back and hips, can promote flexibility.

Increase Flexibility: Massage promotes flexibility in the pelvic region, potentially leading to a smoother labor experience. Increasing the flexibility and releasing tightness in the pelvic region can help bring blood flow to the pelvic organs, which has been show to help with contractions during labor.

Improved Alignment: Tension in the hips and lower back can lead to misalignment of the pelvis. Releasing this tension helps align the pelvis properly, creating a more optimal position for the baby. Proper alignment can facilitate smoother contractions and labor progression.

Reduced Discomfort: Tension in the lower back and hips can cause discomfort and pain during labor. By relieving this tension beforehand, mamas may experience less discomfort during contractions, allowing them to focus better on the birthing process.

Encourage Hormonal Balance: One example of this is touch stimulates the release of oxytocin, the hormone that plays a crucial role during labor, helping to facilitate contractions and bonding with the baby.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Pregnancy is a time of change, and with that change often comes stress and anxiety. Prenatal massage not only helps physically, but mentally too!

Lowering Cortisol Levels: Massage has been shown to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, promoting a calmer state of mind.

Enhancing Mood: The release of endorphins during massage can elevate mood, helping to combat the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy.

Creating a Relaxing Environment: This ish is hard!! You’re literally making a tiny human! That’s amazing, but you need some “me-time” too! A massage session offers a dedicated time for self-care, allowing mama’s to focus on their own well-being.

Hormonal Balance

The hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to some physical and emotional symptoms. Prenatal massage can help stabilize these hormones, promoting overall balance:

Boosting Serotonin and Dopamine: These “feel-good” hormones can improve mood and emotional stability, helping to combat pregnancy-related anxiety and depression.

Encouraging Better Sleep: Some mama’s experience difficulty sleeping during pregnancy. Massage can enhance sleep quality, which is crucial for both physical health and emotional resilience during pregnancy.

Promoting Bonding & Body Awareness

Prenatal massage can create a deeper connection between mom and baby. The relaxation and focus during a massage give time to allowing mom to engage in mindfulness and bond with their child. This connection can enhance emotional well-being and prepare them for the journey of motherhood. This time also helps mom become body-aware before labor. Being mindful of sensations, posture, movement, breath, and your emotional connection to your body will prepare mom mentally and emotionally for labor.

Incorporating massage into prenatal care can be a transformative experience for expecting mamas! By treating discomfort, reducing stress, balancing hormones, and enhancing labor preparation, prenatal massage is more than just a luxury—it can be a vital component of a healthy pregnancy!

At Reid Massage & Wellness, we are highly trained to work with women in any trimester to provide a safe and wonderful massage experience. Book your pregnancy care today!