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Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy
Pregnancy often brings life transitions and a new set of challenges. During this time, women experience anatomical, physiological and psychological change.
Become a Trusted Resource for Your Expecting Clients
Pregnancy is often depicted as a joyful nine months, but the physical reality of gestating another human being often includes a myriad of complaints that can usually benefit from a massage therapist’s expertise.
Knowing how massage therapy best helps women who are pregnant – as well as the cautions and contraindications that will help guide every massage session – is necessary for therapists who want to work with these clients. Even with the need for increased awareness and a more in-depth understanding of pregnancy, there is an expansive body of research that supports massage therapy’s many advantages during the prenatal, labor, and postpartum periods.
Massage Therapy Benefits for Pregnancy
- Alleviating back and leg pain
- Reducing labor pain during childbirth
- Lessening postoperative pain
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Improving mood and lifting depression
- Easing insomnia
Massage Therapy Benefits for Pregnancy
- Alleviating back and leg pain
- Reducing labor pain during childbirth
- Lessening postoperative pain
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Improving mood and lifting depression
- Easing insomnia
Related Articles
Research: Moms, Massage and Mental Health
It’s estimated that 20% of pregnant women experience clinically significant anxiety and/or depression. Delve into this research study that examines the feasibility and acceptability of partner-delivered relaxation massage, as well as whether massage can reduce symptoms of antenatal anxiety, stress and depression.
Massage for the Pediatric and Infant Population
In recent years, more research is showing massage therapy may provide a host of benefits for infant and pediatric clients. From improved sleep and relaxation to aiding eczema and anxiety, take a closer look at the benefits of pediatric and infant massage.
Massage and Pregnancy: A Powerful Combination
Women’s bodies change on many levels through each trimester of pregnancy, and these changes sometimes require adjustments both before and during massage sessions. From a comprehensive intake process to contraindications, find out what massage therapists need to know when working with this clientele.
Related Online Continuing Education Courses
Pregnancy and Massage
$45 members / $75 non-members 3 CE credits
Take your first step in expanding your knowledge about pregnancy and massage. Get a solid foundation on how the prenatal, childbirth and postpartum phases affect women. Find out how to recognize contraindications and specific needs for those with high-risk pregnancies.
Pregnancy and Massage: Advanced Practice
$52 members / $87 non-members 3.5 CE credits
Build upon your knowledge by getting an in-depth look at how massage therapy can help support clients during all phases of pregnancy. Learn how massage can help ease the stress associated with female infertility, boost mental health, and reduce the pain and discomfort during the prenatal and perinatal phases. Find out how to create and implement safe practice guidelines for your pregnant clients.
Additional Resources
Massage Therapy for Pain Relief
Learn how massage therapy can be effective in the management of acute and chronic pain.
Massage Therapy for Mental Health
Discover the positive impact massage therapy can have in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression.
Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients
Explore how massage therapy can improve the quality of life for cancer patients.