Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.
Other potential benefits of prenatal massage:
Reduced back pain, Reduced joint pain, Improved circulation, Reduced edema, Reduced muscle tension and headaches, Reduced stress and anxiety, Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles, Better sleep
Benefits of massage
Massage is generally considered part of complementary and integrative medicine. It’s increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.
Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.
Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection.