Postpartum Psychologist I Therapist I Counseling

4 Reasons Why You Should Massage Your Pregnant Partner

9/15/2022

Lisa van Raalte Ph.D. | August 23, 2022

"It might not come as a surprise, but since the COVID-19 pandemic forced many into lockdown, there has been a surge in pregnancies in the United States. Initially, the onset of the pandemic resulted in a “baby-bust” where there were fewer pregnancies as compared to the previous year; those numbers have since reversed, however, and the U.S. has seen a rebound in pregnancy numbers.

Following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, family planning has been a topic of conversation for a lot of households. For those who are already expecting, added stress to pregnancy can be harmful to the mother and child. Thankfully, romantic partners can help pregnant companions through massage.

Massages are a great way to reduce stress for both the receiver and provider. Not only does massage between romantic partners increase feelings of closeness, but this specific behavior also has several health benefits for mothers.

Here are four benefits of massage for pregnant women:

Back massages promote oxytocin and break milk production. For new mums, the stimulation of spinal muscles through massage encourages the release of oxytocin in the body and increases milk production. In this study, mothers were asked to sit on a chair and lean forward with their arms on the table without clothing on the upper half of their bodies. The massage, provided by a researcher, massaged the spinal muscles. This type of massage would be easy to reproduce at home by a romantic partner and likely would reap the same benefits.
Endorphins from massages help anxiety levels during labor. Massages are known to stimulate the production of endorphins in the body. Because endorphins help promote a sense of calm and comfort, mothers who receive a light massage can significantly reduce their anxiety levels during labor.
Massage reduces back pain in the third trimester. Lower lumbar pain is a common experience for mothers as their bodies adjust to pregnancy. Another benefit of endorphins being released through massage is that endorphins help reduce discomfort and pain in the body. A review of nine journal articles indicates that massage in the third trimester can significantly produce endorphins and reduce back pain for mothers."

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Prenatal Massage

9/2/2021

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by Catherine Donaldson-Evans| Medically Reviewed by Aaron Styer, M.D. on March 10, 2021

"Anyone who's ever had a professional massage knows that both body and mind feel better afterwards — and the same goes for prenatal massage, which can feel extra wonderful when extra weight and changes in posture stir up new aches and pains.

Here’s everything moms-to-be need to know about getting a massage during pregnancy.

What is a prenatal massage?
Prenatal massages are adapted for the anatomical changes you go through during pregnancy. In a traditional massage, you might spend half the time lying face-down on your stomach (which is not possible with a baby belly) and half the time facing up (a position that puts pressure on a major blood vessel that can disrupt blood flow to your baby and leave you feeling nauseous).

But as your shape and posture changes, a trained massage therapist will make accommodations with special cushioning systems or holes that allow you to lie face down safely, while providing room for your growing belly and breasts. Or you might lie on your side with the support of pillows and cushions.

Can pregnant women get massages?
Prenatal massages are generally considered safe after the first trimester, as long as you get the green light from your practitioner and you let your massage therapist know you’re pregnant. But you’ll want to avoid massage during the first three months of pregnancy as it may trigger dizziness and add to morning sickness.

Despite myths you might have heard, there’s is no magic eject button that will accidentally disrupt your pregnancy, and there isn't much solid scientific proof that specific types of massage can have an effect one way or the other. Some massage therapists avoid certain pressure points, including the one between the anklebone and heel, because of concern that it may trigger contractions, but the evidence on whether massage actually can kickstart labor is inconclusive (to nonexistent).

It is a good idea to avoid having your tummy massaged, since pressure on that area when you're pregnant can make you uncomfortable.

If you are in the second half of your pregnancy (after the fourth month), don't lie on your back during your massage; the weight of your baby and uterus can compress blood vessels and reduce circulation to your placenta, creating more problems than any massage can cure.

And don’t expect deep tissue work on your legs during a prenatal massage. While gentle pressure is safe (and can feel heavenly!), pregnant women are particularly susceptible to blood clots, which deep massage work can dislodge. That, in turn, can be risky. On other body parts, the pressure can be firm and as deep or as gentle as you’d like. Always communicate with your therapist about what feels good — and if something starts to hurt."

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4 Reasons Why You Should Massage Your Pregnant Partner

Prenatal Massage

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