Our massage therapy school in Austin, TX, is obsessed with prenatal massage. Why? Simple, because of all the benefits it offers moms-to-be. Getting a prenatal massage is a drug-free way to reduce pain, feel better and shake off stress and anxiety. Furthermore, studies have shown regular massage can even reduce the risk of complications during birth. Here are some of the biggest benefits to getting regular pregnancy massages.
1. Regulates Hormones
Stress isn’t good for you or your baby but that doesn’t mean you can magically make it disappear. That is, unless you invest in prenatal massage. Receiving massage therapy while you’re pregnant can naturally calm you down while reducing depression and anxiety.
In fact, a study referenced on americanpregnancy.com reports that women who received bi-weekly massages for 5-weeks had lower levels of norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones related to stress). Plus, they had higher levels of serotonin and dopamine (hormones associated with happiness). Furthermore, these same women encountered fewer complications during birth, causing researchers to conclude prenatal massage benefits mom and her unborn baby.
2. Helps Relieve Stressed Joints
Pregnant women often suffer from neck pain, leg cramps, backaches and other physical discomforts. It’s easy to understand why; after all, you’re carrying an entire human in your tummy. All that excess weight puts a lot of strain on your muscles and joints. Massage therapy relieves discomfort and works out knots to promote joint and muscle health in the moment, as well as over time.
3. Reduces Nerve & Back Pain
Massage therapy can reduce all types of nerve, back, and joint pain, including the dreaded sciatic nerve pain that often impacts women during later stages of pregnancy. Prenatal massage addresses inflamed nerves by reducing tension on surrounding muscles, thus reducing discomfort.
4. Reduces Swelling & Improves Blood Flow
Pregnant women are known to swell up, and this swelling can cause a lot of discomfort. Pregnancy massage is a great way to reduce swelling (or edema). Massage promotes better blood flow and circulation, offering more oxygen and nutrients to mom and her unborn baby.
This is especially important because during pregnancy the body’s circulatory system is under a lot of pressure, with blood volumes increasing by as much as 60%. Massage helps increase blood flow to mom’s heart, as well as the uterus and placenta.
5. Prenatal Massage Helps Ease Everyday Symptoms
Pregnant women face all types of daily aches, pains and struggles. Including anything from constipation to migraines. Massage therapy can help reduce so many of your everyday symptoms, all while helping you maintain sanity.
We Welcome You to a Relaxing Prenatal Massage in Austin
At Avenue Five Institute, our pregnancy massage is a twist on the classic Swedish massage, offering relaxation and relief during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Each massage is specially tailored to your specific aches, pains and needs. Pregnancy massage isn’t for everyone, so make sure to indicate how many weeks you are and any concerns you may have at the time you book your appointment.
Ready to start relaxing and reaping the benefits of prenatal massage?
