Rebecca M. Ramírez, from (@enciwellness) provides insight on the importance of integrative massage therapy during and post pregnancy. 

Massage therapy has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress and anxiety and relieve muscle tension and chronic pain. The benefits have been well documented and studied and this is no different for prenatal and postpartum massage. The research has shown that it can play an essential role in easing discomfort in pregnancy, supporting a quicker birth and an overall healthier and happier mother and baby.

What is prenatal and postpartum massage?

Prenatal massage is massage given at any point during the time a woman is pregnant. Postpartum massage is considered a massage given within the first 6 weeks of a woman giving birth.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period present so much incredible change in a woman's body. Organs shift around, blood flow increases, a hormone called relaxin helps to relax muscles, joints and ligaments, extra weight puts pressure and strain on joints and nerves - all in preparation to enable the mother to grow and give birth to a healthy baby.

It has always fascinated me that it is well understood that athletes - who train hard and push their bodies to the limits - need bodywork to keep things functioning at their best, avoid injury and recover faster, but it is often not seen as a necessity for pregnant women.

Pregnancy is one of the bodies most amazing athletic feats. It takes a massive amount of energy and change in the body and definitely pushes it to it's limits. After birth as well, the body must undergo massive change as it all shifts back into place and tries to recover.

Benefits of prenatal/postpartum massage for mother and baby

There are many benefits that affect the body on a physical, mental and emotional - not just for the mother, but for the infant too. The benefits listed below have all been shown through studies and research:

Provides a safe, natural, drug-free pain relief

Assists the circulatory and lymphatic system and reduces swelling

Reduces pressure and pain in the nerves and joints

Helps prepare the body for labor and birth

Reduces need for medication during labor

Reduces time of labor

Reduces likelihood of premature or low birth weight in baby

Reduces postpartum depression and cortisol levels

Helps regulate hormone balance

Improves sleep ability and quality

Improves breastfeeding

Speeds healing and assists with C-section recovery

What the research has shown

A 1997 study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology had women randomly assigned to either receive massage in addition to coaching in breathing from their partners during labor, or just coaching in breathing. The women that received massage had shorter labors, a shorter hospital stay and less postpartum depression.

In 1999, another study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology found that expectant mothers who received massage twice weekly for five weeks had reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep and less back pain.

A small 2006 study in the Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences showed massage was a solid integrative treatment for severe pregnancy related nausea and vomiting.

A 2009 study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that with 112 pregnant women diagnosed with depression, those that received psychotherapy along with massage over a six week period experienced greater drops in depression than those just receiving psychotherapy.

Another 2009 study in Infant Behaviour and Development showed that pregnant women who were diagnosed with major depression who were given twelve weeks of twice per week massage therapy had reduced depression at the end of the twelve weeks, in comparison to the control group (who did not receive massage). They also had reduced depression and cortisol levels postpartum. Their newborns were also less likely to be born prematurely or have low birthweight. They also had lower cortisol levels and performed better on assessment scales.

A 2010 study in the Expert Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology showed that women who received massage therapy experienced significantly less pain during labor and their labors were on average 3 hours shorter with less need for medication.

“Pregnancy and childbirth can be the greatest and most fulfilling of a woman’s experiences.  It is important that their contribution to life be a time of strength, joy, and happiness.  Incorporating bodywork and neuromuscular massage enables one to reduce physical and mental tension, increase strength and endurance, and experience ease and comfort during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.”

William J. McKenzie, Jr., M.D.

Diplomat American Board of Gynecology & Obstetrics

Addressing the myths

Massage in the first trimester increases the chance of miscarriage

Massage around the ankles or lower back can cause a miscarriage

Massage releases toxins into the bloodstream that can harm the baby in utero or harm the baby through breastmilk

If you have ever heard any of these myths surrounding massage, I'm here to tell you that these are inaccurate and outdated pieces of misinformation. They are often taught in massage schools and then taught to the public through misinformed massage therapists.

Getting a massage in the first trimester of pregnancy is safe.

Let me say it again.

Getting a massage in the first trimester of pregnancy is safe.

The misinformation is taught because of fear and liability issues. The chances of miscarriage are highest in the first trimester. Miscarriages that occur are usually due to hormone imbalances in the woman's body or developmental issues in the fetus. In order to avoid any liability issues, people have just said, "let's avoid doing any massage in the first trimester in case a woman has a miscarriage and thinks it was linked to the massage she had the day before."

There has never been a documented case of spontaneous miscarriage by massage, in ANY trimester.

Many women are well into their first trimester by the time they find out they are pregnant, and within that time, they may have had a massage already, or several!

Sadly, through ignorance and fear, people are led to believe massage is contraindicated in the first trimester despite the lack of evidence of this fact.

BUT, as you saw above, there are so many scientific and research-based reasons for getting massages throughout the whole pregnancy and into the postpartum period!

Important things to look for

If you go and get a massage at any point in your pregnancy and postpartum period, do these three things:

1. Do your research and find a good licensed massage therapist that is certified in prenatal/postpartum massage.

Every massage therapist is taught (or should be) the basics of prenatal massage in school, BUT this is completely different from a therapist then taking additional education specializing in prenatal/postpartum massage.

Make sure you find someone that really knows what they are doing so you can receive the most benefit!

1. If you have a high risk pregnancy, or had a C-section birth, it is always smart to check in with your OBGYN/doctor/health care provider before doing any kind of activity at any point in your pregnancy - like getting a massage.
2. Expect these things to be observed in a prenatal massage: to be in a side-lying position from 20 weeks onwards, or when it becomes uncomfortable to lay on your belly; to be propped up at a slight angle if laying on your back and, just to be on the safe side; no deep abdominal massage and no sharp, heavy blows on the lower back are usually performed.

Here at Enci Wellness, I am passionate about educating women and providing safe and effective prenatal and postpartum massage. I received my prenatal/postpartum massage certification from The Institute of Somatic Therapy in 2018 and have since worked with countless women, all throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period.

Women deserve to know the facts about how massage and bodywork can dramatically affect their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period for good. And I'm here to make sure they know and feel confident to make decisions for their health and feel empowered throughout pregnancy and beyond!

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Rebecca at Enci Wellness, you can schedule online or for more information you can email her at contact@enciwellness.com.