Pregnancy is a life-changing event that affects a woman’s physical body in many ways. Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, and relieve muscle aches and joint pain. This bodywork can also improve labor outcomes and newborn health through therapeutic movement
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Benefits of Prenatal Massage for Pregnant Women:
Decreased Stress and Anxiety
The journey of pregnancy is a beautiful process, but it can also be a stressful time. Especially for a first time mommy-to-be, anxious feelings of uncertainty can be overpowering and affect her health and that of the baby. Receiving massage during pregnancy not only affects the physical body, but the emotional health of the recipient as well. Massage therapy releases endorphins and helps reduce stress levels by soothing the nervous system. Therapeutic bodywork encourages relaxation by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, leaving both mom and baby feeling at ease.
Pain Relief
Most women experience different levels of pain during their nine months of pregnancy. As the baby grows and the body changes, women can experience discomfort in their muscles and joints. Massage therapy stretches the muscles and decreases the levels of discomfort as it allows for more movement in the body. This is a natural pain-reliever that even carries into labor and delivery.
Better Sleep
Sleep is crucial for the health of both mom and baby. Getting the right amount of rest every night before the baby comes is crucial, as many women get less sleep once the baby is born. Pre-natal massage promotes good quality sleep, which strengthens the immune system. This bodywork induces calm feelings, allowing the recipient to rest. Giving the body a break through massage therapy helps moms refocus and develop good sleeping habits.
Every pregnancy experience varies, but massage therapy can benefit all. The feelings pregnant women experience may transfer to the baby, so taking care of their physical and mental state will positively affect those nine months of constant change and growth.
Want to serve pregnant women in your practice?
Our class, Pre-Natal Massage, focuses on how to work with the rapidly changing female body during the nine months of pregnancy. In this course, students will be given guidelines for positioning the pregnant client, and learn how to address contraindicated areas. Through lecture, demonstration and lots of hands-on practice, students will gain the knowledge to facilitate a completely safe and deeply therapeutic pregnancy massage.
We strive to give our students the education and experience needed to heal any type of client. Explore our variety of courses here.