Prenatal massages can help women after their first trimester of pregnancy. It can address many areas during pregnancy such as hormone regulation and mood control, edema and joint pain, improved circulation, headache reduction, and better sleep.
Studies have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to women’s prenatal care. This helps with mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) were reduced, and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression).
A prenatal massage can help with reducing swelling and improving circulation by assisting the lymphatic system in moving fluid out our joints and tissues.
Sciatic nerve pain can often occur later in pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage can help relax surrounding muscles and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Our massage therapy team are experienced in working with clients during pregnancy as certain modalities and precautions should be taken. With precautions taken, prenatal massages can be very effective in improving quality of life during pregnancy. Learn more about our massage therapy services by visiting our massage therapy page or contact our office at 480-785-5415 to schedule your prenatal massage.