Benefits of
Pre- and Peri-Natal Massage

During Pregnancy

• Promotes relaxation, facilitates transitions through emotional support.

• Facilitates hormonal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary processes during pregnancy.

• Reduces musculoskeletal strain and pain.

• Contributes to developing the kinesthetic awareness necessary to actively participate in the birth process.

• Fosters nurturing maternal touch.

In Labor

• Contributes to shorter, less painful labor.

• Reduces labor comlications, medications, and interventions.

In the Postpartum Period

• Reduces musculoskeletal and organic pain.

• Promotes structural realignment of the spine and pelvis, and reorganization of movement.

• Contributes to rehabilitation of abdominal skin, muscles, and organs.

• Promotes recovery from cesarean birth, including healing of the incision.

• Relieves muscle strain caused by childcare activities.

Reprinted from Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy, 1998, by Carole Osborne-Sheets