14 Benefits of Regular Prenatal Massage

Posted by Frances   

For  the ten months of pregnancy, a women’s body goes through an amazing transformation.  Our bodies evolve and change to accommodate a growing baby in our belly and as our center of gravity shifts forward, so do our muscles and the rest of our body as it attempts to compensate and accommodate a growing baby. 
 
And with each growth spurt, or “pop” of our belly, our bodies and muscle groups have to adjust to maintain balance as we walk through our daily lives. 
 
Along with those tiny little humans we are growing comes a hormone producing machine called the placenta. This amazingly intelligent group of human tissues gives our babies the nourishment they need to grow while we experience the lovely effects of the influx of hormones.
 
Carrying a tiny human for as long as we do can take a toll on our bodies AND our minds.  The good news is there are ways to be proactive with our health that will help minimize the common aches and pains that accompany growing a tiny human in your belly.
 
One of the most effective ways to transition through each trimester with ease, while feeling good in your body is to receive regular prenatal massage treatments. In my experience, I have found the moms who are proactive and getting massage treatments in the early stages of their pregnancy are the ones who feel less pain and at later stages of their pregnancy.
 
Please note: Always check with your primary care physician before beginning any new routine during your pregnancy.
 
Here are the benefits of receiving regular massage treatments when pregnant…
Physical

• Reduces neck, shoulder, back, and hip discomfort + tension.
• Improves posture + body awareness as a pregnant body’s center of gravity shifts.
• Relieves common joint, and nerve pain (i.e. sciatica, carpal tunnel, etc.) 
• Improves blood and lymph circulation, elimination of waste (i.e. digestion, swelling/puffiness).
• Reduces headaches and muscle tension, cramps, spasms.
• Increases oxygen and nutrients in the blood, beneficial for both mama and baby.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• Prepares the body for labor, often allowing for an faster delivery process.

Mental/Emotional

• Improves sleep.
• Encourages deeper breathing and relaxation.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Establishes a strong mind/body connection and strengthens bond with baby.
• Improves hormone regulation, lowers stress hormones and increases low serotonin levels.
• Stimulates and releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.

The list goes on and on.  Bottom line?  Receiving massage on a regular basis — be it every week, every other week, once a month, or once a trimester — makes a significant difference in the way a woman transitions through her pregnancy and even into her postpartum recovery.

Next, we’ll take a look at the benefits of postpartum massage and how it can aid in your recovery + transition process.
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