There are many benefits associated with prenatal massage, and your prenatal bodywork journey can begin at any point in your pregnancy. Though many therapists refuse to offer massage to anyone who is still in the first trimester because of the increased risk for miscarriage associated with the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, there is no evidence to suggest that massage therapy increases this risk.

Research shows prenatal massage can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, alleviate muscle aches, reduce swelling and joint pain, and improve labor outcomes as well as newborn health.

Studies have shown that hormone levels are significantly altered when massage therapy is included in prenatal care. Leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. Evidence strongly suggests maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care. Bi-weekly massages for only five weeks led to a decrease in hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol, which are associated with stress, while levels of dopamine and serotonin (colloquially called “happy hormones”) were increased. These changes in hormone levels also correlated with fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight.

Edema and swelling of the joints during pregnancy is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the blood vessels. Massage can help to stimulate stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems and lead to a reduction in the collection of fluids in swollen joints and soft tissues. This can also improve the removal of metabolic wastes carried by the lymphatic system.

Sciatic nerve pain is experienced often in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back, and weight changes due to baby’s growth can cause a change in the body’s center of gravity. This can lead to tension in the muscles of the muscles of the back, hips, upper and lower leg, causing pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy can address inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many people have experienced a significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through massage.

As with any holistic approach to pregnancy wellness, discussing massage therapy with your prenatal care provider is highly recommended. The best way to address the risks of prenatal bodywork is to work with a team of knowledgeable professionals that can not only help care for your body but keep you informed and educated.

At Greene Bodywork, prenatal massage is performed side-lying with a variety of cushions and bolsters for comfortable positioning. I am one of many professionals that consider side-lying to be the best position for prenatal bodywork. Every body is different and pregnant bodies experience a great deal of rather rapid change. Massage tables and cushions that provide a hole in which the belly can fit cannot possibly accommodate these changes at every step of pregnancy and therefore may apply pressure to the abdomen, or fail to provide adequate support, allowing the abdomen to dangle, which can cause stretching of the uterine ligaments.

The body continues to change dramatically after pregnancy, and while the postpartum period is often considered the six to eight weeks after birth as many of the body systems impacted by pregnancy have largely returned to the pre-pregnancy state, it can take much longer to feel like yourself again. Postpartum massage has been shown to be effective for a quicker recovery and better health during this transition.

Postpartum massage can provide many of the same benefits as prenatal massage, like decreased anxiety and depression symptoms, improved sleep, pain management, hormone regulation, reduced swelling and improved circulation. Studies also show that massage therapy can increase prolactin levels, a lactation hormone responsible for the production of milk.

Massage therapy is a safe and beneficial addition to postnatal care, but for those who may have experienced a traumatic birth or had a c-section, it is best to consult your doctor beforehand. Post-op scars can always benefit from massage which can promote healing and tissue mobility, c-section scars are no exception. Massage therapy, including abdominal work, is safe to receive after six to ten weeks once the incision has closed, is free of scabs and there are no signs of infection.

Back pain is arguably one of the most common postpartum complaints, regardless of what kind of delivery you have, and it’s not just muscular discomfort. An epidural may be used for both a vaginal or c-section birth to numb the nerves of the lower spine. It is common to experience some discomfort for a period of time afterward and massage therapy can be a useful part of the recovery process. The injection site may be sore, so it’s important to let your therapist know if you received an epidural so direct pressure on the area can be avoided until it has fully healed.