Research on Pre-Natal Massage

In a Miami study, it was founded that women who received massage therapy for 20 minutes sessions, twice a week, felt less anxious and had reduced leg pain within the first session. This group was also reported having better moods, improved sleep, less urinary issues, and had few complications during labor and their infants has fewer postnatal complications (i.e. prematurity).

Field, T., et al. (1999). Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. Journal Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 20, 31-38

Twenty-eight women were randomly picked and assigned to receive massage as well as coaching in breathing technique during labor similar to what is found in prenatal classes. The massaged mothers reported a decrease in depression, anxiety, pain, and showed less agitated activity and had a more positive affect following the first massage during labor.

The massaged mothers also had significantly shorter labors, a shorter hospital stay and less postpartum depression.