Certified Massage Therapist
Pregnancy massage uses the Swedish Massage technique, which helps to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation with mild pressure. Swedish Massage is the recommended prenatal massage method because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone changes. Prenatal massage has been shown to improve hormone regulation. Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. As reported by the American Pregnancy Association (APA), “women who received bi-weekly massages for five weeks, hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression). These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.” Other benefits include: Reduction of swelling Improvement of nerve pain reduced back pain reduced joint pain improved circulation reduced edema reduced muscle tension reduced headaches improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles better sleep