The Usefulness and Function of Pre-Natal Massage ©

Although there are a number of systems of bodyworking available to choose from, two stand out in their usefulness. Within the western systems, standard Swedish massage tends to be the most useful due to its functions to gently relax general muscle tension and improve both blood and lymphatic circulation through its use of mild pressure applied to the various muscle groups. While in the Chinese system of Tui-Na used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are specific techniques developed over 3000 years of therapeutic use utilizing not only gentle muscle massage techniques, but also finger pressure on specific acupuncture points to address the hormonal imbalances so common during pregnancy that are causative to so many of the common discomforts experienced. Either system will address such conditions as anxiety, depression, general muscle and joint pain, improving the overall labor experience and ease of birthing.

Regulation of the hormone levels through basic relaxation to reduce the stress levels helps maintain cardiovascular health and reduce the depth of hormonal mood swings. Studies over the last decade have shown marked reductions in levels of the stress hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol while increasing both serotonin and dopamine levels in women who receive bi-weekly massage for as little as five weeks. This hormonal regulation has resulted in a marked reduction in birthing complications as well as the increased health and overall weight of the newborn child.

A very common problem found in far too many cases is the edema, or swelling of the joints due to the reduction of circulation and vascular pressure caused by the increase of pressure from the enlarged and heavy uterus. By increasing the lymphatic and blood circulation, massage helps to stimulate the soft tissue and move the fluids out along with the built up waste products of the metabolism.

Especially common during later stages of pregnancy are sciatic nerve pains induced by the uterus resting on the muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. As the weight bears down upon this region, the pressure upon the sciatic nerve creates low back and sciatic pain spreading down into the lower extremities. By relieving this pressure and pain, the future mother not only sleeps better, but the increased oxygenation creates more energy and relaxation.

What about the question of safety? Although many facilities/practitioners prefer to avoid massage during the first trimester due to the possibility of over stimulating the mother-to-be, a trained pre-natal massage therapist may actually begin therapy during any trimester.

Massage therapy is now also used for support during labor as it has been shown to reduce the length of labor by 25%, reduce the use of Oxytocin by 40%, reduce narcotic use by 30%, reduce the need for forceps added delivery by 30% and reduce the use of epidurals by 60%.

During the post-partum period, massage therapy has been shown to improve breastfeeding, reduce basic muscle tension and pain, allow the mother to spend more time with the new baby, decrease the effects of post-partum depression, assist the recovery of the abdominal region, aid in the emotional and physiological recovery of the mother, and promote the realignment and tone of the spine and pelvic region.

One of the greatest findings reported in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology has been that women who undergo massage therapy during pregnancy have babies with significantly reduced levels of postnatal complications and a lower rate of premature delivery.

In conclusion, the use of Massage therapy during both the pre and post natal period is not only enjoyable for the mother, but leads to significantly profound health benefits for both the mother and the baby. However, the therapist needs to be trained in not only the techniques to be used, but also the contra-indications of prenatal massage. Additionally, your OBGYN needs to be aware of your use of massage therapy, and in some cases will need to provide approval for the therapy to begin.

Melanie Krueger, OMD, L.Ac., RC, LMP/NCTMB, has been in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the past 15 years specializing in Women’s healthcare and pediatric care as well as sports and trauma therapy. Although a Master of the Chinese therapeutic bodyworking system of Tui-Na, she also brings years of experience in Western Massage to the aid of her clients at the Eastside Oasis Spa in Bellevue.

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The Usefulness and Function of Pre-Natal Massage ©

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