Do You Know These Amazing Benefits Of Prenatal Massage?

Do You Know These Amazing Benefits Of Prenatal Massage?

Therapeutic massage is used to improve overall health and it also reduces stress, anxiety, and joint pains. Prenatal massage improves the overall prenatal health of pregnant women. Prenatal massage is relaxing, soothing, and rejuvenating. It relieves muscle aches, leg pain and reduces depression. One of the best massage techniques during pregnancy is Swedish Massage. Swedish massage helps to relax muscle tension, relieves backaches, and joint pains, and improves blood circulation through mild pressure. Prenatal Massage usually lasts for 60 minutes. Massage is one of the best ways to alleviate all the pains and strains of pregnancy. Prenatal Massage is a wonderful choice for promoting overall wellness. It provides relief from the discomforts which a pregnant woman experiences during various stages of her pregnancy.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

The amazing benefits of prenatal massage are:

1. Reduces Lower Back Pain 

Your center of gravity shifts during pregnancy that causes lower back pain. Sciatica and relaxed ligaments also cause lower back pain during pregnancy period. Prenatal massage therapy helps to improve these symptoms and hence relieves lower back pain.

2. Reduces Edema and Leg Pain

Many pregnant women experience edema (Swelling in hands, face, legs, ankle, eyes, or feet) during their pregnancy phase. Prenatal massage helps in reducing swelling and relieves leg pain.

(Also read: Never ignore these symptoms during your pregnancy period)

3. Relieves Joint Pains

Massage therapy helps to relieve joint pain by keeping your muscles more flexible throughout your pregnancy.

4. Relieve Muscle Tension

Carrying the extra weight of the baby can lead to muscle tension that can be relieved by encouraging blood flow to the afflicted areas. It also enhances the flow of lymphatic fluid that flush out all the harmful toxins from the body. Prenatal massage therapy provides you relief from muscle tension and keeps muscles more flexible during pregnancy period.

5. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Reduces stress, depression by decreasing the levels of stress hormones called Norepinephrine and Cortisol.

6. Relieve Insomnia

Many pregnant women suffer from sleep deprivation due to stress, anxiety, or body pain during pregnancy period. Prenatal massage helps to improve sleep by reducing stress, anxiety, and body pain. It helps in relaxing nervous tension which further promotes better sleep during pregnancy.

(Also read: High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy - Types, Signs, Risks, Complications, and Treatment)

7. Mood Enhancer

Prenatal Massage increases levels of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine feel-good hormones hence helping in enhancing your mood during pregnancy.

8. Improves Blood Circulation

Prenatal massage helps to improve your blood circulation which makes your body able to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the placenta so that your little one gets all the essential nutrients and oxygen to grow and develop properly. 

9. Reduces the risk of Premature Labor

Prenatal massage reduces cortisol levels which is a stress hormone hence reducing the risk of premature labor.

10. Eases Delivery

Studies suggest that pregnant women who take prenatal massage regularly had a shorter duration of labor and they require fewer pain medications. It reduces stress level hormone cortisol hence making delivery easier.

Precautions to be taken during a prenatal massage

You can take massage therapy during pregnancy but keep the following precautions in your mind to avoid any complications:

• Always take a massage from a massage therapist who is certified in prenatal massage.

• The massage therapist should be able to watch for symptoms of blood clots and varicose veins. 

• Avoid taking massage during the first trimester of your pregnancy as it can increase the risk of miscarriage.

• If you feel sick or light-headed during the massage then ask your massage therapist to discontinue the massage.

• Avoid taking prenatal massage if you are at a higher risk of miscarriage.

(Also read: Difference between False Labor and True Labor)

• Avoid taking prenatal massage if you have a skin injury, skin infection, or eczema.

• Ask your therapist to use oils such as coconut oil, mustard oil, olive oil, or gentle moisturizer for massage.

• Avoid using certain oils such as rosemary, cinnamon, peppermint, and clary sage for massage as they can lead to uterine contractions.

• Some pregnant women are allergic to certain massage oils. So, ask your therapist to do a patch test of massage oil on your skin before starting the massage. 

• Certain areas that promote contractions should not be massaged during prenatal massages.

Best Body Position for a pregnant woman during massage

The best body position for a pregnant woman during massage is side-lying. Some massage therapist uses a table that has a hole in which the uterus fit but it can cause uncomfortable stretching of uterine ligaments or can apply pressure to the abdomen. 

(Also read: Vaginal Bleeding during Pregnancy - What's Normal?)

When to consult a doctor?

Consult your health care provider before taking prenatal massage if you have any of the following conditions:

• High-Risk Pregnancy

• High Blood Pressure

• Experiencing Bleeding or Severe Swelling

• Diabetes

• Sudden or Severe Headaches

• Preeclampsia

• Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) 

• Previous History of Preterm Labor

• Recent injury or surgery

Is massage therapy safe during pregnancy?

Yes, massage is considered safe during the entire pregnancy but most facilities don't offer massage during the first trimester of pregnancy (first 12 weeks of pregnancy) because of the increased risk of miscarriage. So, it's better to take prenatal massage after the first trimester of pregnancy.


Prenatal massage is a part of prenatal care that improves the overall health of a pregnant woman but it's essential that you consult your health care provider before taking any massage therapy. Always remember to take a massage from a certified prenatal massage therapist. Don't take the stress. Staying relaxed and stressfree will improve your overall health. Just chill and enjoy your pregnancy phase.

Also, read other health-related articles :

• Coffee during Pregnancy - Side Effects, Risks and Is it Safe, Caffeine and Decaf Coffee

• Pregnancy 38 weeks baby movement - Normal fetal movements, NST and BPP

• Top 10 best books to read during pregnancy

• Non-Stress Test (NST) Pregnancy - Purpose, Procedure, Benefits, Risks, Cost, and Results

• 5 ways to Take the right care for going to be the first-time mother

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.