15/07/2021
I was assigned the topic of Prenatal Massage in class and wanted to share my findings!
The Effects of Massage during Pregnancy
For thousands of years massage has been used during Pregnancy and Childbirth and it’s origins date back to the very beginning of the recorded use of massage. The use of pregnancy massage is detailed in the 3000 year old practice of Ayurvedic Medicine and the ancient texts describe how to care for mother’s before and after birth. Before medical drugs and interventions were invented, massage was proven effective in aiding childbirth by repositioning the baby if necessary, reducing pain, encouraging labor and speeding up postpartum healing after birth.
A doula is someone who cares for pregnant mothers before, during and after giving birth and in ancient times this role was filled by the handmaiden, or female servant of wealthy families. ("History of pregnancy massage," n.d.)
I am really amazed by all the different ways that massage can help both mother and fetus from initial development to postpartum recovery and bonding. Here are just a few examples of how massage affects the physiological systems of pregnant mothers;
~Pregnant mothers who receive regular massages are more relaxed and have lower blood pressure which has a direct effect on the amniotic environment of the developing fetus.
~Soothes the nervous system,promotes deeper sleep and releases endorphins which modulate pain, anxiety and stress making for an easier passage during labor.
~Promotes lymph drainage and reduces swelling caused by the hormone progesterone which supports pregnancy but slows down smooth muscle systems such as digestion, elimination, sinus and lymphatic drainage.
~Reduces fatigue by the elimination of excess cellular wastes through the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
~Stabilizes hormone levels by stimulating glandular secretions in the digestive system.
~Helps with varicose veins through improvement of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
~Promotes muscle flexibility which is very beneficial during labor and can be the difference between a difficult labor and a good experience for mother and baby.
It is suggested that pregnant mothers receive massages every 2 weeks to maintain the balancing effects of massage on the nervous system. As pregnancy progresses through the latter stages massage can help the mother to remain comfortable by eliminating or reducing symptoms such as swollen feet and ankles, backache, stiff neck, leg cramps, uterine pain, heachache, sciatica and muscle tension. (Kuntzman & Tortora, 2009, p. 764)
During labor massage increases endorphins which are the body’s natural pain killers and pressure points can be used to induce and quicken labor. Relaxed mother’s have less painful deliveries and their babies gain weight more quickly, catch fewer colds because of a bolstered immune system, experience less colic, and have a better sleep pattern. (Kuntzman & Tortora, 2009, p. 764)
Massage for postpartum care can help to relieve depression and anxiety caused by hormonal changes, and reduce postpartum stress. Infant massage can be a beautiful way for mother and baby to bond through release of endorphins and boosts baby’s brain development. ("Infant massage - The amazing benefits of giving and receiving," 2019)
As you can see the benefits of pregnancy massage before, during and after childbirth are undeniable and abundant hency why massage has been an essential part of prenatal care in nearly every traditional culture for thousands of years. After learning about all these amazing benefits I couldn’t help but schedule a prenatal massage for myself!
References
History of pregnancy massage. (n.d.). Massage Therapy: Swedish Massage, NeuroMuscular Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Pregnancy Massage throughout Chicago-Land. Home Visits Available. https://www.paulsimpsonlmt.com/Pregnancy/History%20of%20Pregnancy%20Massage.html
Infant massage - The amazing benefits of giving and receiving. (2019, September 20). WOMENS SPECIALISTS OF NEW MEXICO. https://wsnm.org/infant-massage-amazing-benefits-giving-receiving/
Kuntzman, A., & Tortora, G. J. (2009). Anatomy and physiology for the manual therapies. Wiley.
