Massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques, one of which is called Swedish Massage, which aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. Swedish Massage is the recommended prenatal massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.


Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health, when massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care.

Edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints, which also improves the removal of tissue waste, carried by the body’s lymph system.

 

Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many women have experienced significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage.



General benefits of prenatal massage:

    Reduced back pain
    Reduced joint pain
    Improved circulation
    Reduced edema
    Reduced muscle tension and headaches
    Reduced stress and anxiety
    Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
    Better sleep



The best position for a pregnant woman during massage is side-lying. Pillows are provided to insure that both baby and mom are warm and comfortable.



As with any therapeutic approach to pregnancy wellness, women should discuss massage with their prenatal care provider. It is recommended that one should wait until the 2nd trimester of pregnancy before getting a massage.