Dawnmarie Frank, LMT, CD(DONA) Massage Therapist

May 07, 2007

During pregnancy, most women feel a few aches and pains that develop as their body changes. The stress on weight bearing joints and muscles, especially in the hips and lower back, become irritants for some pregnant women. A massage sounds like just the ticket.

Getting a massage during pregnancy and after birth is a wonderful way to relax, reduce stress, soothe aching muscles and focus on yourself for a change. Deciding to have a massage during pregnancy could also be the first step towards a lifetime of taking good care of yourself.

Massage has multiple physical benefits for pregnant women. It can ease stress on weight bearing joints and muscles that may be stressed as a result of your pregnancy weight gain. It can also alleviate nerve pain that sometimes develops in a pregnant woman’s lower back. Massage also assists in reducing the swelling of body tissues that pregnant women sometimes experience in their ankles and hands. After a massage, many women report having more deep, restful sleep.

Massage also has educational benefits. During a massage session, we talk about proper posture, exercise, diaphramic breathing and other relaxation techniques. The massage itself increases mom’s body awareness, providing her with an opportunity to be more in tune to her body. And a massage therapist who is trained in pre- and post-natal massage can be an excellent resource for pregnant women and new moms.

This education that takes place during the massage helps women prepare for labor. It offers time to practice relaxation techniques, and also facilitates a woman’s connection with herself. Her awareness of her body is helpful in the labor process.

Pregnant women typically go for their first massage at the start of the second trimester, when they typically feel very well. Some come for a massage once a month, others more frequently. A typical cost for a one-hour session is about $60.

Massage during pregnancy may be just the beginning. New moms who have experienced massage will sign up for infant massage classes, wanting to share the benefits with their babies. When they try it, they will find that infant massage strengthens the bonding between mother and baby.

Post-natal massage is also beneficial. It can alleviate tightness that may develop from carrying an infant and from breastfeeding. What’s more, a new mom, lacking sleep, is given an opportunity to take care of herself, relax and enjoy the moment.